Laser Sailboat Parts
June 2, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Trailerable Sailboats
They are cunning the folk at Laser! Laser sailboat parts are interchangeable over their range. Instead of building a whole new boat range from scratch they have developed three separate classes with the same hull!
The bottom mast section section and sail are changed to create new classes. This also means that all the classes are trailerable sailboats too! This is the Laser Formula!
The three classes are:
- The Standard
- The Radial
- The 4.7
There was a Laser class at the Beijing Olympics. The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) is managed from Falmouth UK.
In order to keep a check on your laser sailboat parts and to determine whether you need new ones here are a few guidelines:
The Hull
Keep it clean and covered when not in use. The sun and weather have a detrimental effect over time. Check the deck for wear and tear. As it is made up of layers of foam and fiberglass with a gel coat finish, it is subject to a lot of pressure. As the deck ages, the layers become separated. You can tell this by pressing firmly on the deck to see whether there is any movement. If there is then you need to take action.
Make sure the hull is water tight by opening the transom drain hole on a regular basis and tipping the boat up to see whether water comes out. If it does then carefully go over the hull area checking for scratches and holes. Get going with fixing those weak points quickly! If you want a refresher then go over to boat fiberglass repair.
By running epoxy around the deck to hull join you can be sure of a good seal. If you also replace all the screws on board with a silicone coating, then you know the water is not getting in through them. Whilst about that remove the bailer and brass tube silicone the join and replace. Also check over the top of the center board slot and epoxy as required.
The fleet mentality is unmistakable out on the water
The Mast
Have you replaced the mast? Of all the laser sailboat parts that should be checked this is one of the most important. Is the bottom of the mast worn? If it is then you should set about suring up the join between hull and mast.
The way to do this is as follows:
- To do this you chip out the original glue
- Sand off the shiny resin
- Then make a strong joint with fiberglass
The Spars
Importantly need to be straight! With the exception of the pre bent 4.7′s. The boom may bend a little by the vang.
The Centreboard And Rudder
Check that the blades are straight with no chunks missing from them. If the tiller is made of wood you can always buy a new one.
The Sail
In order to have an official sail for racing it needs the red symbol near to the clew. Sails are important to racing, so invest if you need.
With the help of West Marine we are now able to bring you the spares and accessories you need.
Listed below you can find what you are looking for. Buying is straight forward and hassle free. As West Marine offer a money back guarantee.
Want more for your money? West Marine are giving away 10% on orders over £100!
Related Posts
Information on a catalina boat
The story behind columbia yachts
Click here for steve colgate 26
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
Catalina Yachts
June 2, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Trailerable Sailboats
It all started with one boat – his own
Frank Butler didn’t set out to own Catalina Yachts. Forty years ago he wanted a boat built. The builder ran out of funds and Frank took over the building of the boat with tools given by the beleaguered manufacturer. Under the name Wesco Marine Frank began.
Wesco Marine
Wesco Marine became Coronado Yachts, which was sold to the Whittaker Corporation. Frank worked one year with Whittaker, leaving to establish Catalina Yachts.
The first design was one which had been conceived at Whittaker from another company Columbia which had also been brought by Whittaker. The design had been rejected by Whittaker, but after some redesigning the C 22 was built from 1969. In 1980 it was heralded by Sail Magazine as “trailerable boat of the decade” As trailerable sailboats go, that’s some going! By 1990 fifteen thousand had been produced. Not bad for a reject!
Listening to customers
The breadth of designs over the years has always been based on customer suggestions. By listening to the needs of customers, the designs have remained timeless and straight forward.
One of the many strengths of the marketing strategy is that the company has the highest number of repeat purchases in the industry. The resale value of the sailboats is high, so customers can sell on their previous model for the improved concept.
Stable and dependable: knowing your boat is peace of mind
Concept: trailerable sailboats
The cruising element of company grew to become market leader. As the idea of trailerable sailboats was born, Frank was at the heart of the industry. With such accolades as Cruising World Magazine “boat of the year” March 1995 in reference to the C 36 Mark II. The redesign techniques used meant that the upgraded versions were sleeker, providing more sporty / racing performance. An example is the M381, which was the basis for several popular yachts including the C 320, C 350, C 380, C 400, and C 470!
Production East and West
In 1984 Morgan Yachts became part of the set up. Their manufacturing base was in Florida. Now production could spread from the West coast to East too. Canada and the UK became hubs as well. The more modern aspects of Morgan yachts were incorporated into Catalinas on the East coast, while traditional styles remained in production from the Hollywood base. This meant that depending on the model it was possible to buy cheaper sailboats due to no transport costs.
Unique ability
One admirable quality of Morgan production remains that all components can be taken out through the hatch. This includes the engine. In terms of maintenance this was an inspirational idea. Other manufactures have not thought this aspect through, perhaps to their disadvantage.
Over the forty years of business, in excess of sixty thousand boats have been built at the four plants. Frank Butler has seen many other builders go out of business. Due to unrealistic business models. But the guiding principles of listening to the customers have championed. Making Catalina Yachts a leading brand in the US and beyond.
Related Posts
The story behind columbia yachts
Click here for steve colgate 26
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
Richard Valdes
June 2, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Trailerable Sailboats
It started at college
Canoes to Columbia! Richard Valdes has achieved indeed. From a senior project at UCLA to helping build a business valued in the hundreds of millions.
Dick attended UCLA on a naval scholarship. His senior project becoming his first business. After securing a deal from Sears to produce fiberglass canoes, the business expanded into fiberglass caravan shells.
The enterprise grew to become Glass Marine Industries. Boats were sold under the name Columbia.The Columbia 50 hailed the change in name from Glass Marine Industries to Columbia. The 50 became synonymous with the classic style, comfort and race performance associated with today’s Columbias.
Despite being seized upon by the corporations Dickie maintained great design
Along came
The Whittaker Group approached him in the late sixties with a proposition. As the largest fiberglass boat producer, Whittaker wanted to buy the operation including his expertise to set up its own marine group. For five years he helped set up Whittaker Marine Group.
A busy time
In 1972 he left the group to set up Lancer Yachts. Whittaker Marine Group went on to become Bertram yachts. In 1982 he left Lancer Yachts to set up Endeavor Yachts, which closed in 1989. At this point his son Vince was ready to take on the family interest in Columbia once more.
From the background set out above it is not surprising that Vince has taken his Dad on board to help with the operation. In 1994 the Columbia 30 has unveiled. Read more here
Related Posts
Click here for steve colgate 26
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
Steve Colgate
June 2, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Trailerable Sailboats
After serving as crew in Long Island Sound. Steve Colgate did his first Transat aged nineteen from Cuba to Spain. His achievements since then establish him as a backbone of modern sailing in the US.
His list of achievements includes:
- 2 Americas Cup trials
- 18 Newport to Bermuda races
- 8 subsequent Transats
- 8 Fastnets
- Pan American Games
Most recently he was tactician abroad the the US twelve meter “American Eagle” at the 150th anniversary of the Americas Cup Jubilee at Cowes UK.
The offshore Sailing School as always been Steve's dream
International Sailing Schools Association
He has also been president of the International Sailing Schools Association. He has helped organize the US governing body of sailing – US Sailing. Establishing rules and Certificate Programs in use across the US. He has also written several highly successful books on sailing which you can purchase from this page soon.
Offshore sailing school
He and his wife Doris set up the Offshore Sailing School forty Three years ago. Along with notable designer Jim Taylor and Precision Yachts. You can learn more about Colgate ’26 here. It is reputed that this school has taught more people to sail than any other!
The yachts are designed to accommodate all levels of sailors. Through feedback from students in the school and by constantly involving Jim and Precision Yachts the 26′ vessel was constructed.
Related Posts
Click here for steve colgate 26
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
Hunter Sailboats
June 2, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Trailerable Sailboats
One size does not fit all
One size does not fit all. Hunter sailboats are split into defined user groups. This provides choice through preference of activity. The themes that run through the range however are constant.
Over thirty five years the builder has developed good relationships with key brands. They have a buying power that helps pass on value to the customers.
Several components or features on board or part of the service offered are either copy right or unique to the company. The utility surfaces are made from Corian, to be endurable, shiny and easy to clean.
The kevlar technology used to laminate the hull and keel is unique to the vessels. Another quality is the five year guarantee offered for the hull and also a blister free guarantee as well.
Hunter sailboats are made to be low maintenance. Naturally sailors prefer sailing to maintenance as an activity. Through out the range ease of handling is paramount. This allows crews to learn easily. Making it fun.
Pre fabricated
Most components for the interior of the vessels are pre fabricated outside of the hull. This lowers the manufacturing costs through economy of scale. This saving is passed to the customer. Entertainment on board is found through flat screen televisions and Bose equipment. Great for cruising along. Or keeping younger crew members occupied when the anchor is lowered!
Safe, reliable and great for the family
What kind of boating do you do?
The range of yachts is split into trailerable sailboats sizes and beyond. The Edge at 28′ provides the best of both power boat and sailing. Thanks to the 75 horse power capacity engine.
For day sailing the range is between 14′ and 21′. The hulls are toughened to be more impact resistant than regular fiberglass. Ideal for beginners!
Next step are pocket cruisers. Salon space and over night capacity help sailors to relax. Coming in between 25′ and 27′. Weekend breaks, these vessels make longer journeys possible.
Mid size boats are classed between 31′ and 38′. These boats are designed for performance and comfort. Value is an added advantage.
The cruising range has been designed for distance voyages. Features aid boat speed through the water. The hull is designed for least resistance to take full advantage of the available wind.
Related Posts
Click here for steve colgate 26
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
