Should I get a 470

[JackMontana]

Ok folks, n00balicious here. I am in the process of selling my big 'ol trailer sailor (a winnebago with a stick and some canvas) because I've got the need for speed. I've come to realize that I would have a lot more fun owning a dinghy for our lake and chartering bigger boats for cruising (getting the charter license in 2 weeks, holla!). I searched for some info on this question but couldn't find any, so here it goes:

My predicament is this: the wife enjoys sailing with me occasionally but isn't skilled or interested in becoming skilled as dinghy crew. I have friends that are definitely interested in being on a trap and going fast, but there are many times when I'd be alone. So, I'd like a boat that I could futz about in by myself (maybe even with just the main up), but could also put the pedal to the floor with crew. I've got a deal lined up on a sweet 470 but I'm unsure if it would be feasible to sail this boat alone. A Laser would be great, but probably too cramped for the wife or a friend. Plus, I would really like more strings and sails to play with. I've had a ton of fun sailing Hobie 16's and that would be another option (plus I can always find a good deal on one of those). Racing would be cool but I doubt I'd have the time to put into traveling to where 470's are plentiful. So, basically I'd just like to go fast on the water and have the option of toning it down for rides with the wife and be able to sail by myself on occasion. Is it possible to sail the 470 by yourself? Would I be better off with a Hobie? Is this too tall an order to be filled by one boat?

Thanks,

Jack

 

[BalticBandit]

You can single-hand a 470 but not really with the kite. Which means that single-handed you won't go all that fast. There are lots of boats out there that would be faster single-handed than a 470.

If you want a kite, a Laser II is one that you can actually rig to single-hand the kite and go fast. And its a comfortable enough cockpit that you can take your wife out for a spin around the lake without her having to trapeze,

But that said, a Hobie 16 would probably be more fun for her since the tramp is even more comfortable. And the Hobie 16 singlehanded would be pretty fast and fun. And if you want to go racing, there will be plenty to race with

One of the bigger problems with the 470 is that it is an Olympic class boat. You'd think that would make for a better fleet experience but that turns out not to be the case since it tends to attract "programs" that last 4-8 years, but it does not attract long term participants in the fleet. If you want a more traditional style dinghy that DOES have all these characteristics consider a 5o5.

The 5o5 fleet has been asked to be an Oly class on more than one occaision and they have specifically turned it down. They are fun boats that can go very fast with good crew, but are comfy and stable enough that you can take your wife out for a day of fun sailing on the lake, and even fly the kite without the need to trapeze.

So were I in your shoes, I'd buy quite a few other kinds of boats before I'd by a 470

 

[aurichor]

Do you like working on boats get a 505, I would say get an FD but it sounds like you would then have great boat but no wife.

Though it sound like the hobie is the right fit.

 

[Pig in a Wig]

The 470 is a brilliant boat, it is fast, safe and stable and it has stood the test of time. The 505 is even better. But both are very technical and designed for one thing, two person racing. To sail the 470 singlehand is possible but it will not be fast (unless you are over 280lb) and you will not be able to fly the kite (unless you have 4 arms). The 505 will kill you (sooner or later). Laser 2, Laser 3000, RS Vareo are all better options given your situation. Also, remember that whatever you buy will need to be moved around ashore, launched and recovered, possibly on your own. I can tell you from experience that 470's and 505's are harder work on land than they are on the water (unless you Arnold Shwarzaneggar)!

 

[Darbs]

Simple answer... NO!!!

 

[simbert]

Ok folks, n00balicious here. I am in the process of selling my big 'ol trailer sailor (a winnebago with a stick and some canvas) because I've got the need for speed. I've come to realize that I would have a lot more fun owning a dinghy for our lake and chartering bigger boats for cruising (getting the charter license in 2 weeks, holla!). I searched for some info on this question but couldn't find any, so here it goes:
My predicament is this: the wife enjoys sailing with me occasionally but isn't skilled or interested in becoming skilled as dinghy crew. I have friends that are definitely interested in being on a trap and going fast, but there are many times when I'd be alone. So, I'd like a boat that I could futz about in by myself (maybe even with just the main up), but could also put the pedal to the floor with crew. I've got a deal lined up on a sweet 470 but I'm unsure if it would be feasible to sail this boat alone. A Laser would be great, but probably too cramped for the wife or a friend. Plus, I would really like more strings and sails to play with. I've had a ton of fun sailing Hobie 16's and that would be another option (plus I can always find a good deal on one of those). Racing would be cool but I doubt I'd have the time to put into traveling to where 470's are plentiful. So, basically I'd just like to go fast on the water and have the option of toning it down for rides with the wife and be able to sail by myself on occasion. Is it possible to sail the 470 by yourself? Would I be better off with a Hobie? Is this too tall an order to be filled by one boat?

Thanks,

Jack

Not a whole lot of room on the boat for wife. Stick with the Hobie.

 

[bjmoose]

Hobie probably meets your described needs better than the 470.

Faster for when you're single handing (and you can get on the trap yourself)

More stable for when you're taking out your not-so-gung-ho wife for a pleasure sail.

 

[will746]

Hobie probably meets your described needs better than the 470.
Faster for when you're single handing (and you can get on the trap yourself)

More stable for when you're taking out your not-so-gung-ho wife for a pleasure sail.

470 wouldn't be too flash 1 up.....stick with the hobie

 

[JackMontana]

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I guess that the Hobie makes the most sense. Which is a little disappointing to me, because I like all the technical aspects of the 470. Way more strings and a kite... but I got the information I asked for.

I've looked into Laser II's, Vareos, and 5o5's too but I can't seem to find any of those for sale around me.

Thanks again.

 

[savoir]

I'm chiming in a little late but WTF here goes . . . .

470's are hugely weight sensitive. Did you see the interviews with the olympic gold medallists? Both were complaining loud and long about having to starve themselves for months in order to get their weight down. Unless you and your wife are both jockey sized you might want to give them a miss.

I'd go with a Taser. Fast and fun. Ideal crew weight is much higher. They were designed as a husband and wife or father and child boat.

 

[notallthere]

there are other cats besides the hobie that do have a kite. they may be a little more expensive, but sound like they fit your criteria

 

[steele]

I had to deal with the same situation and ended up with a laser 2. My old laser was too small and a hobie is a PIA to launch unless it can be stored right on the water. There are lots of hobies at the club where I store my boat and I am often rigged and sailing in half time they are. With the exception of their smallest rotomolded boat, they are a real challenge to launch with one person. Good laser 2s are hard to find, but because the class is almost dead they are inexpensive (it sounds like you are not going to be racing). My wife has fun on the boat and even will get out on the trap if the conditions are not too crazy. It is light enough to hand launch on a dolly and is fun to sail single handed, although I have not done that with the kite yet. I looked at Tasars, but they are very pricey. 505s and 470s seemed too extreme for having fun with the wife on the lake, although I do not have on the water experience with either one.

The laser 2 is still a small boat, so if you 2 are big people it will be cramped (and slow). It is also pretty wet (although much dryer than the laser). We just ordered a farmer jane wetuit and spray top for the wife to keep her happy. The wet suit will also help reduce scrapes and bruises.

 

[JackMontana]

A couple of months ago I had decided that a Laser 2 was the way to go; I spent a couple of weeks trying to track one down. I couldn't get one for love or money anywhere near my location (central NC).

The wife and I aren't big (combined weight is <300 lbs) and we are both young/fit/active/strong, so a physically demanding boat wouldn't scare either one of us off.

The lake we usually sail has very light winds most of the time.

The 5o5, 470, 420's are appealing to me b/c I like very much to work on boats and these seem to have lots of opportunities to tinker with rigging and stuff than a stricter class like a Laser 2. Sounds like a FD would be right up my alley too... do you suggest that I wouldn't have a wife b/c of the time/cost of rebuilding/rehabilitating one of these?

I've had a ton of fun on the Hobies, I don't know why they aren't as appealing to me now... I guess it comes back to having more strings and stuff to tinker with. I should probably just suck it up, read the writing on the wall (forum), buy a H16 and get going fast on the water.

 

[BalticBandit]

A couple of months ago I had decided that a Laser 2 was the way to go; I spent a couple of weeks trying to track one down. I couldn't get one for love or money anywhere near my location (central NC).
The wife and I aren't big (combined weight is <300 lbs) and we are both young/fit/active/strong, so a physically demanding boat wouldn't scare either one of us off.

The lake we usually sail has very light winds most of the time.

The 5o5, 470, 420's are appealing to me b/c I like very much to work on boats and these seem to have lots of opportunities to tinker with rigging and stuff than a stricter class like a Laser 2. Sounds like a FD would be right up my alley too... do you suggest that I wouldn't have a wife b/c of the time/cost of rebuilding/rehabilitating one of these?

I've had a ton of fun on the Hobies, I don't know why they aren't as appealing to me now... I guess it comes back to having more strings and stuff to tinker with. I should probably just suck it up, read the writing on the wall (forum), buy a H16 and get going fast on the water.

I singlehand my laser II on a small (1/2 mile by 400yds) lake that typically has 6-8kn winds. IN these I can singlehand the kite (actually an old -small- 5o5 kite) without trapping.

 

[One of Five]

Dude..

Get the 470 .. you're heart is set on it.

You only go through life once. Do it right.

 

[JackMontana]

Dude..
Get the 470 .. you're heart is set on it.

You only go through life once. Do it right.

Yeah, I'm afraid that my heart is kinda set on it... I saw all those lines and blocks and got a little weak in the knees. However, I posted this to get some opinions that might dissuade me from making a foolish move. I'm beginning to think that a H16 would fit my needs better, and they sure are fast. I've never sailed a 470 so I don't know what to expect.

Thanks again for all the great comments and opinions, it's certainly given me more to think about.

 

[aurichor]

If you like strings get a big crew and an FD

 

[mustang__1]

505's have lots of strings as well (they can have more, actually) and can take a bigger crew.

I have sailed 470's a number of times and they are fun boats. They can get up and go when the breeze is on for sure. In light air they are a bit daunting comfort wise. If you are crew, you are hunched under the boom and vang facing backwards while upwind. If helm, you are crouched under the boom while going downwind/reaching. But in heavy air they are a real kick in the pants.

Where are you located and how much do you weigh?

 

[JackMontana]

505's have lots of strings as well (they can have more, actually) and can take a bigger crew.
I have sailed 470's a number of times and they are fun boats. They can get up and go when the breeze is on for sure. In light air they are a bit daunting comfort wise. If you are crew, you are hunched under the boom and vang facing backwards while upwind. If helm, you are crouched under the boom while going downwind/reaching. But in heavy air they are a real kick in the pants.

Where are you located and how much do you weigh?

I'm in central NC (Chapel Hill) and weigh 155.

The vast majority of the time we have extremely light winds. Sounds like a 470 would be kind of uncomfortable for these conditions... not a nice ride for the little lady.