mward

I'd do old sneakers but they smell like shit in no time and I'm in a Finn so a little extra help on the hiking is worth it enough to use real dinghy boots.

Before I punch holes in my new Zhik boots I gotta wonder why nobody puts drains in boots. Anyone have any compelling reasons why I shouldn't? My old Sperrys had them but they're worn the fuck out and I need some new boots. Sailing around in boots full of water sucks.

Sailmoore1: I just drag the boat and trolley onto a flatbed trailer and strap the whole thing down with ratchet straps. It tows fine. I have an actual finn shaped trailer but I've taken the bunks off and just transport the dolley and boat on the trailer flat. Just borrow a trailer from someone and you should be okay. Is this one of the boats Joe is bringing over in the container?

That boat that was in KC is way way overpriced. 1500 is about the right mark for that boat. DinghyRacingUSA is bringing back a container of Finns from Europe for sale if you're interested PM him or hit up his website.

The design of the Finn is pretty nailed down, you're not going to modify it like you're suggesting. If you want awesome tactical one design racing, sail a Finn, if you want a boat that's easy, try something else.

Hiking wings are definitely out but a lot of guys have a rope tied around the centerboard trunk with a loop tied in it so when that line is overboard it's just about the right spot to get your foot in and climb back aboard. Works very well.

Andy (Pimental) at Jibetech will build a new Lemieux hull for you, fitted out, for 11k, or a Vanguard hull for 8k. No rig, obviously, but the Lemeiux is supposed to be competitive with the modern Devotis. A bit flatter aft than the Vanguard so it'll plane sooner down wind. I'm sailing an old Vanguard with a modern rig and it's plenty fast.