V-32 or R/C Laser?

[greg morrison]

I mainly fly electric aircraft and sailplanes, but am thinking about getting a sailboat since I live close to Spreckels Lake here in San Francisco. A quick bit of research on the internet/Ezone has quickly narrowed things down to these two models. I'll say right off that the V-32 has much more emotional appeal and charm for me than the Laser with its wood deck, wood mast and colorful sails. The Laser on the other hand seems to be the antithesis of the V-32 with its modular nature, composite materials and generic "snap together" look. In a nutshell the V-32 has an old fashioned warmth about it, whereas the Laser seems modern and leaves me a bit cold.

In light of the above, I'm strongly tempted to go with the V-32, but I'm worried that the warm feeling I have for the V-32 might quickly vanish the first time someone with a Laser zips by! The bottom line here afterall is sailing performance, not how cute or charming I think the boat is. The Laser certainly seems more versatile, with its variety of sails for different conditions and I'm guessing that it performs better but perhaps I'm wrong about this? Any recommendations or input would be much appreciated, particularly from anyone who owns or is familiar with both of these sailboats. The Victoria seems to be a third choice here as well but I'm really looking to keep assembly/building time to a minimum.

thanks, Greg

[dgoebel]

Greg,
I have an R/C Laser, 2 V-32's, and a Victoria, as well as others.
The best boat to get in yolur particular area if you want to race is.... what are they sailing there at Spreckels? V-32's and R/C Laser's are fun boats to sail with others in the same class. It's not a lot of fun (after the first time) racing an R/C Laser past a fleet of V-32's constantly. They have their races and you get left out...
If they're racing both, then you've got a quandry,... then you just have to pick which you want to see more of, (or get both..<G>).

I sail in Oklahoma with quite high winds most of the year, the R/C Laser with a storm rig, can handle more wind than a V-32, and with all three rigs for my R/C Laser, I can sail a much wider wind band... but if the locals are all sailing V-32's I'd rather have a V-32. Both could even handle saltwater sailing if you wanted to hite the Pacific as well. Just use a freshwater rinse when done...

David Goebel

[slowflyer]

Well, they don't race either one of these boats at Spreckels..... If you want to race there, plan on spending some serious dollars on a boat.

They are an old mans club for lack of a better term.

Now that I own and have run both boats side by side, I'd have to say that I like my trusty old V32 much better. Both boats have their strong points but all around If I am not out for total speed, I'd go with the V32 every time.

I hate the fact that the Laser can't be plucked from the water by the mast. With it's deep keel, it won't sail up to the bank of ponds with beveled edges. I'm not bad mouthing it, it just has it's weaknesses. It also seems to go into irons very easily.

If you'd like, you can come out to Heather farms lake in Walnut Creek this Saterday and run both boats side by side.---Rob

[greg morrison]

Thanks for the advice guys. I actually found their website (San Francisco Model Yacht Club) and it seems like they sail Santa Barbara, ODOM and Star 45, which I've just finished educating myself about on the internet. Like you've said Rob, these models seem to be pricey, although I did find a Star 45 kit for about $175.00. In the past when I've watched them sail, I have to admit that I didn't pay much attention to the makes of the models but the next time I go over I'll make note of the specific sailboats. Racing sounds like alot of fun, but I'm sure if I'm the only one with a V-32 or Laser I'll still enjoy myself. I won't be purchasing a boat immediately so I'll continue to research my choices a bit before making a final decision. I've just noticed two ARF's on Hobby Lobby's website called the Exclusive (dumb name) and the Saphir which seem to good models at first glance - is anyone familar with these? Thanks again for you help.

Greg

[slowflyer]

I am currently trying to get some v32 or Victoria racing going at the pond I mentioned in Walnut Creek. I currently have a V32, Pro Boat Sunrise, Laser, an Amen Eclipse (marblehead being restored) . a Victoria and a couple of older unidentified boats if you'd like to try em out, just let me know.

Pay particular attention to how easy the boat you pick out either transports together or breaks down for easy transportation. This can be a REAL pain depending on what type of vehicle you have.

The ODOM is a fantastic boat if you want to spend the money on one. The basic kit is $300, withseveral construction levels to choose from, usually bringing the price tag to about $500 with the hard parts done. This is without radio or mast and sails. They however are VERY nice boats. I will probably end up buying one.

I could probably arrange for you to borrow one of my smaller boats if you wanted just to get a feel for weather or not you like sailing. I'm in Antioch but work in hayward. I met you at last years Half Moon Bay fly in. Good luck deciding---Rob

[greg morrison]

Rob:

Thanks for the generous offer but I'm so darn busy on the weekends with family and other obligations that I just don't have much time. The appeal of sailing at Spreckels is that I literally live 5 minutes away which makes it easy to sail in the evening or for a quick hour on Saturday or Sunday.

Regarding the ODOM models they do look very nice and it would just be a matter of liquidating a few model airplanes/gliders to afford one! I'd rather be able to just buy a V-32 and be sailing right away but I guess "when in Rome do as the Romans do." If these old gents/geezers sail ODOMs maybe I should pony up the cash and join them! A younger guy might inject some much needed new blood into the operation anyway! I sure wish I could use my Futaba aircraft radio though - it seems like a waste of money to buy a simple two channel tx when I have such a sophisticated radio for flying.

take care, Greg