Or to put it another way, whenever you compare the cost of every new singlehander to hit the market with the cost of a Laser, it makes you realize what a terrific value the Laser is. Of course, economies of scale make a difference, plus with a Laser you have a strong class with many fleets all over the world and extensive racing program already in place.
Oh sorry, that turned into what one of my readers once called "an up the Laser rant." Couldn't help myself.
One trend I didn't comment on at the Annapolis Sailboat Show was the proliferation of inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards, presumably so the cruiser set can easily stow one. This Tiwal looks to be an expansion of this concept, with a hull form of a wider SUP. To overcome the wetted surface of a wide flat hull, the rig is pretty large. The video takes place in relatively benign conditions, flat water and light to moderate breeze. More breeze and chop looks to reduce the fun factor of this sailboat considerably.
I have to agree with the rest of the comments; unless there is a good reason to be able to pack up a sailboat, stick with the hard hull variety.
The Tiwal could bring some 'new' people into the sport. But, as has been noted, I don't think it will find an audience among those of us already at the altar.
10 comments:
Take the grandchildren out for a ride.
That's certainly one use for it.
Anything that needs inflating will eventually deflate and sink. Take my word for it.
Each bag weighs 28 kilograms = 61.729 pounds. Two bags together weigh 123 lbs. How much does a Laser (Torch) weigh (now)?
The hull weight of a Laser is around 130 lbs. Spars, foils etc. add some more. Then the loose nut on the tiller can easily be another 200 lbs.
it appears to cost about the same as a new Laser - that seems to make it a tad expensive in my view! GBR 134
Or to put it another way, whenever you compare the cost of every new singlehander to hit the market with the cost of a Laser, it makes you realize what a terrific value the Laser is. Of course, economies of scale make a difference, plus with a Laser you have a strong class with many fleets all over the world and extensive racing program already in place.
Oh sorry, that turned into what one of my readers once called "an up the Laser rant." Couldn't help myself.
Pound for pound, I'd rather own fiberglass.
One trend I didn't comment on at the Annapolis Sailboat Show was the proliferation of inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards, presumably so the cruiser set can easily stow one. This Tiwal looks to be an expansion of this concept, with a hull form of a wider SUP. To overcome the wetted surface of a wide flat hull, the rig is pretty large. The video takes place in relatively benign conditions, flat water and light to moderate breeze. More breeze and chop looks to reduce the fun factor of this sailboat considerably.
I have to agree with the rest of the comments; unless there is a good reason to be able to pack up a sailboat, stick with the hard hull variety.
The Tiwal could bring some 'new' people into the sport. But, as has been noted, I don't think it will find an audience among those of us already at the altar.
Wavedancer
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