Torn Between Pirateer and Laser

Special area for the smaller Chryslers - Musketeer, Buccaneer, Mutineer, Man O' War, Pirateer, Daggers, etc.
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Jimbo
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Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2012 6:58 am

Torn Between Pirateer and Laser

Post by Jimbo »

I'm torn between Pirateer and Laser. I'm am not a racer but more of a cruiser. I like the Pirateer because I can take my small kids out, comfortably, which I can't really do on Laser. Here are the issues:

Laser
1) I can get Laser parts anytime, new or used.
2) Laser is super easy/fast to set up & break down
3) Laser can be dollied over sand to the Gulf= super fun sailig (maybe a
Pirateer can too, I don't know ??)

Pirateer
1) Spacious, more comfortable, can take people out !!!
2) Jib
3) Can put motor on it
4) Dryer boat (I can stay dry if I want)
5) Worried about parts !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any input, wisdom, & experience is GREATLY appreciated !!!!!!

James (Florida, Gulf Coast)
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Windwalker
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Location: Spokane, WA

Post by Windwalker »

Laser
1) I can get Laser parts anytime, new or used. True, but the Laser is a one-design boat so parts may not be the most cost effective.

As a one-design boat, any modifications you do may invalidate the design rules. Not a problem if you just want a fun fast day-sailor, but you may take a hit on resale or if you decide you eventually want to race (or your kids when they grow up).

What parts are you worried about? Most everything can be replaced with off the shelf parts, except the very costly like booms, masts, etc. and replacements of those are available with modifications to existing off the shelf (or off the web) equivalents.

I learned on a Chrysler Lone Star 16 and it was a very abused boat when I got it. I replaced all of the running rigging, blocks, some of the standing rigging, refinished the bilge boards (aluminum), fixed lots of fiberglass, refinished the bottom, and so on and so on.

AND you have the expertise of my fellow Chrysler sailors.

It boils down to what you want to do with the boat. If you want to race with other boats of one class by all means buy the Laser (I wanted one once, long ago). If you want to cruse and have fun on the water with your family, I would go with the Pirateer. And I'll bet it's cheaper.
Dave

1976 Mutineer
Jimbo
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Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2012 6:58 am

Post by Jimbo »

Thanks WindWalker, this is what I needed. Some help with sorting
through it and some clarity. I think I'm gonna go with Chrysler- I'm
all about cruising and taking kids & friends- not competitive racing.
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CaptainScott
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Post by CaptainScott »

I agree with what has been said.

When buying a boat, try to make sure you get all the parts with the boat.
even if the parts are worn out. It is much easier to replace a part if you have a pattern.

All the lines, blocks, goose neck, and such are gernerally easy to find replacements. Maybe not exact but almost always workable.

If you are missing a boom, or mast, or rudder, then it can get harder to find. But again if you have the originals, you have something to use as a pattern

Classic example is my 22 "Lady Jo" I bought her basically as a derlic boat. No boom, sails, lines, missing most blocks and such. Even the rudder was bent badly.

Today she is a sweetheart fully rigged and can sail any waters immediatly!
So, do be afraid of a boat in need if you are willing to take the time and effort to make her nice!


FYI:
Day 1 after prepping to bring her home!
Image
Scott
Jimbo
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Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2012 6:58 am

Post by Jimbo »

Thanks CaptainScott, good advice.


Questions:

-are 3rd party stays easy to configure
-are turnbuckles needed
-do I absolutely have to use the spreaders on the mast?
(a Hobie Cat never uses spreaders, maybe cause tramp area is
wide enough to keep the stays out of the way ???)
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Windwalker
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Post by Windwalker »

Jimbo,

Third party stays? I assume you mean standing rigging. If so you can get them made to order.

I would recommend turnbuckles, even though I don't adjust Windwalker's often. Wire rope, especially new, can stretch slightly over time, thermal expansion, no need to measure your new standing rigging precisely, and then crossing your fingers hopping the riggers git it perfect.

Spreaders, why not? Easy to replace with off the shelf materials. I don't know the implications of removing them with this boat but if you do you can be sure the rigging will no longer fit.

Luck on your new boat.
Dave

1976 Mutineer
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CaptainScott
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Post by CaptainScott »

Again, Dave is on the money!


Spreaders are generally designed to help support the mast. In supporting the mast they may be design to induce mast bend ore reduce mast bend when the windward shroud is under load.

I would not remove the spreaders. Period. Also as Dave indicated, you're shrouds will be to long if you remove the spreaders.


Sounds like you have made up your mind! Please share photos when you buy your new boat!

Scott
Jimbo
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Post by Jimbo »

Thanks Guys!!!!!

Will definitely rig with spreaders.
Good to no you can get the shrouds custom made too.

Will post pics soon.

Thanks, Jimbo
Jimbo
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Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2012 6:58 am

Post by Jimbo »

Can I get new sails from Intensity or Shurr ??

I just went to Intensity web site and didn't see "Chrysler"
specifically but maybe there's another OEM with a boat
size close to the Pirateer that has a sail that will fit ?
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