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In simple terms here's what to do - in approximately this order.
First try to find one - not as easy it looks. Check our Boat
Mart page. Place ads on the notice boards, stores and golf clubs around the
lakes. Even drive around looking for lasers and ask if they are for sale. Expect to
pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a starter Laser (1980's vintage) depending on condition
and age. The comments below assume you can find a hull in reasonable
condition. If it needs work, or you are not sure what to look for, check on the
links further down.
- Get an new sail
There has been a lot discussed on the laser list
about the sails made in Canada by North - fluttering leaches and short competitive life
have been hot topics over the last few years. For the most part it appears that
quality problems are a thing of the past. Newer sails (since the fall of '98) have a
red "button" on them that signifies funds have passed to the ILCA. Don't
accept a new sail without the button as it will be old stock and may be of lesser
quality. North Sails have admitted that although the sails they made complied with
laser rules, some of the cloth was not as good as used by other laser sail makers and the
sails would not last as long as others. Hyde Sails in England is the other licensed sail maker, but they are more
expensive. They still seem to last longer, however - even comments in
2004 from World Council support this thesis.
- Get new ropes - and a
new vang
Dump the old ropes you have. Go for the top of the line ropes option, its worth the small extra amount.
- Check your spars for straightness and wear.
You are allowed to remove the fittings and turn the
mast sections end-for-end and re-attach the fittings. This is particularly useful
for older spars that may showing wear at the pressure points. Make sure that the
rivet that holds the bottom fitting onto top spar faces aft so it is on the compression
side of the mast. If you are end-for-ending an old top mast that had two rivets in this
fitting only drill the rear hole and put one rivet back in. The rules also allow you
to place 1 mm thick wearstrips (Teflon) around the mast foot and at deck level - highly
recommended.
- Get an new tiller and tiller extension.
The material for tillers and tiller extensions are not controlled by class rules.
Carbon fibre tillers and extensions are "de riguer" for competitive
sailing. They are not cheap, in fact they are ridiculously expensive, but once
you've tried one you won't regret the purchase. Probably not necessary for club
racing though. If you are patient ACME has an annual sale where they discount
product with cosmetic problems. Check this
link for ACME promotions.
- Ensure your blades are in good condition.
Make sure they are not warped or bent. Fill
and sand the nicks and dents and finish with a fine wet sanding.
Don't leave your blades in the sun - they will warp -
guaranteed. Get a blade bag - one that will take the new long tiller extensions
and has a pocket for your sail.
Check out these links
for more info - very helpful advice on what to look for in an old boat.
Hit the back button on your browser to return the D5 home page.
For miscellaneous old boat stuff we have another page
with the following info on it.
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