Newsgroups: rec.boats
Subject: Sunfish, Sailfish, Lasers
Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1992 19:02:00 -0800

AB>>I always thought the Laser II was around before the Taser.  The Laser
AB>>II hull is almost identical to the L I hull.

AB>The Tasar was a development of the Australian Northbridge Senior 14
AB>class.  There was an interim step called the Nova 14.  but this boat
AB>was `productionized' and became the Tasar.  This was all circa
AB>1972-1974.  Laser << was circa 1982.  BTW, the designer for the Tasar
AB>was Australian Frank Bethwaite, with Ian Bruce doing the
AB>`productionizing', and for the Laser << Frank Bethwaite did the hull.

Odd how a boat from down under has become so popular here in Vancouver.
It is probably the largest racing fleet on the bay.  Followed by the
Laser.

AB>Look more closely.  The Tasar has a very high degree of rig refinement
AB>that the Laser << lacks.  The rotating mast is only the most obvious
AB>piece of hardware.  Part of this was to cut costs and so make a more
AB>competitive boat for fewer bucks, a worthy cause.  But the differences
AB>extend to the fully battened main (allows a high degree of draft
AB>control from top to bottom with batten tension), and the ability to
AB>change the controls from hiked out.  Also adjustable rig tension (on
AB>the water) with shroud pull-backs, adjustable jib fairlead location,
AB>mast rake adjustablility (again on the water).  The Tasar never caught
AB>on, mostly due to misconceptions about its performance and its higher
AB>costs.

See above.  But the Tasar is much more expensive than the Laser II.  But
it is a very competitive boat designed for those who don't want to
bother with a chute or a wire.  Thus making it a good boat for couples,
young and somewhat older.

AB>True.  But there was a regression of materials also to cut costs.  The
AB>Laser << is an all fiberglass boat.  The Tasar uses Kevlar to help
AB>reduce weight.  Yes, some of the early Tasars were _too_ fragile
AB>(about 130 pounds hull weight).  The present boats are much more
AB>rugged (since about hull number 800, about 145 pounds hull weight).

I still don't like putting too much weight on the foredeck or the
area aft of the cockpit (what do you call this area?).  These areas flex
just by resting your your elbows on them.

AB>The Laser << is a much more tender design, not as hard a chine and a
AB>narrower beam (also considerably shorter).  The Tasar is the only boat
AB>I am aware of in production that can plane upwind (to advantage)
AB>without a trapeze.  Also the lack of a trap or a spinaker is a plus in
AB>that it is less intimidating for smaller crew (like wives,
AB>girlfriends, sons, daughters, etc).  Trying to get a neophyte out on
AB>the wire and trimming a 'chute can be very intimidating.

The wire and chute are there if you want it.  You don't have to use them
if you're taking out novices.  If you intend to race one would assume
one would practice with these items thus your crew would gain confidence
in their use.

Better find other crew if you can't get them out on a wire :)

AB>>I like sailing both, but in a blow, I'll go for the L II before the
AB>>Taser.

AB>Good, but I'll take the Tasar.  If I wanna trap-out, I'll get the
AB>Hobie out where _both_ of us can trap-out together.  And it doesn't
AB>hurt that my wife and I are at the optimum weight for both classes
AB>(the minimum weight is the best, 285 lbs for the Hobie and 287 for the
AB>Tasar).

Ever try getting out on a wire on a hobie when its blowing 20-25 knots
with white caps?  Hobies are for speed freeks, I enjoy sailing them with
competent crew.  But I've been dragged behind one and I have also
pendulumed forward underneath my crew.  Harrowing to say the least.  But
you can't pitchpole a monohull at least I haven't done in one yet ;)  If
I wanna go fast I'll sail the Hobie.  I want to work on my sailing
skills I'll go after a monohull.  Not to put down the Hobie skipper.

Gun


 * OLX 2.1 TD * If this were an actual tagline, it would be funny.


Newsgroups: rec.boats