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mark_herrington
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 21:30:44
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Hi,
I am considering buying a Stratos but not sure whether the centreboard or keel version.
I have a young family and want something stable but would also like to race.
any thoughts?
Thanks
Mark
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neilgbj
147 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2006 : 20:15:49
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Mark
As a centreboard Stratos owner (new owner/oldish boat !) I can only fully recommend it.I have sailed and owned many other types of dinghies but this really gives good options for reasonably fast/fun sailing with the ability to potter/cruise in a stable boat. I have'nt tried the keel version (which obviously offers more stability) but I can say that the centreboard version gives that large 'cruising dinghy feel' combined with excitement when you want to (its pretty quick when it wants to be). If you sail it sensibly in a blow (sometimes we all have too !) it will look after you and your crew. My kids still enjoy the boat even now that they generally sail their own boats, which is a testament to the multi purpose market it was aimed at. If you are close to East Anglia would be happy to let you have test sail, otherwise Laser will do one in both versions. I'll let the keel bods reply from their perspective........
Good Luck
Neil (270)
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PGuignabaudet
United Kingdom
97 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2006 : 21:18:16
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Hi Mark,
I have a Stratos Keel that I bought for safety reasons as I wanted to be able to sail with my 4 kids (the youngest was 2 at the time). The keel is great for that as it gives you plenty of time to react to gusts and is virtually impossible to capsize. Despite that it's quite a nimble boat and fun to sail.
The only drawback is the weight, which is 50% (100kg) more than the centreboard version. This makes it a handful to recover for less than two burly adults. I've always used my car to get mine out of the water.
Apart from that it's a really nice boat and the kids love it. I would say if capsizing once in a while isn't too big of a problem for you go for the centreboard, otherwise the keel is a safe bet.
Regards,
Pascal |
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mark_herrington
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2006 : 21:43:33
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Gents,
Thanks for your comments.
Both seem very valid and I will have to consider, if anyone has any other views, they would be very much welcome.
I was interested in Pascal's comments about in and out of the water. I currently have a Flying 15 and one of the issues is getting it in and out of the water as it has a 200kg keel and a draft of some 4 feet.
thanks again for the advice. I am now in the hunt for a 2nd hand Stratos......keel or centreboard..??
kind regards
Mark |
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mark_herrington
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2006 : 21:48:01
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Neil,
Forgot to say thnks for the offer of a test sil. Live in Scotland East Anglia not that handy !!!
thanks again
Mark
quote]Originally posted by neilgbj
Mark
As a centreboard Stratos owner (new owner/oldish boat !) I can only fully recommend it.I have sailed and owned many other types of dinghies but this really gives good options for reasonably fast/fun sailing with the ability to potter/cruise in a stable boat. I have'nt tried the keel version (which obviously offers more stability) but I can say that the centreboard version gives that large 'cruising dinghy feel' combined with excitement when you want to (its pretty quick when it wants to be). If you sail it sensibly in a blow (sometimes we all have too !) it will look after you and your crew. My kids still enjoy the boat even now that they generally sail their own boats, which is a testament to the multi purpose market it was aimed at. If you are close to East Anglia would be happy to let you have test sail, otherwise Laser will do one in both versions. I'll let the keel bods reply from their perspective........
Good Luck
Neil (270)
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neilgbj
147 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2006 : 18:06:26
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Mark
There are 4 on the yachts and yachting website......not sure how long they have been on for though
Cheers
Neil
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sandy
49 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2006 : 18:58:27
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Mark
We have a Stratos with a centreboard which we sail with 6 year old twins. It is the ideal boat for us, comfortable with 2 adults and 2 children, moderataly stable but can also go fast enough (with the kite up) to keep my husband happy. We have had it for 18 months, sail it regularly both at our club (Whitstable) and cruises down the coast, and have yet to capsize it. The children love it (even out in a force 4-5 they are still singing!).
Sandy |
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Topic |
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Buying a Stratos
