Used Boats & Spare Parts
If you would like to add an item to this register, please send an email with photo to tioda.president@gmail.com
If you are in the market for a second hand boat for your sailor, here are some tips.
What to look for in a second hand Opti (for the uninitiated)
Opti’s are “One design” boat so are a standardised design although there are a few different brands that have different price tags. Boats should come with a measurement book if you ever want to race it at a big event. Needed for Nationals.
Have 4 main parts:
1. Hull (the tub)- fiberglass. Determines the sail number that the hull keeps throughout its life. The smaller the number the older the hull, but doesn’t tell you the age of any other bit which can all be replaced. Well maintained hulls can have a very long life. Should have smooth underside and no holes or cracks. Check the mast support (flat bit across the front top) is solid and mast step (metal cylinder the bottom of mast sits in) can be wound back and forth with nut. Better to have been kept indoors with covers on.
2. Sails- a few different brands with small shape differences. (North Sail, J sail, Doyle etc…) Also come in different depths ideal for different weights of the sailor. Sizing system varies by brand. Generally the more creased and stretched a sail is the less good it is for racing. Most 2nd hand boats come with old (“training sails”). Some may come with new (“regatta sails”). The sail numbers link a sail to a hull but the numbers can be removed if required so that a new sail can be used with a different boat. Brand new sails cost around $750. Ideally sails good enough to race would have a measurement certificate.
3. Spars - mast, boom, sprit (the metal bits that hold the sail). Well looked after they are pretty long lasting but cost a fair bit to replace ($1200) There are 2 main brands. Optimax and Black and Gold (black). Minor differences that some sailors have preference for when they get more experienced.
4. Foils = Centerboard and Rudder (the bits that point down into water). These cop a bit of damage if sailors aren’t careful especially getting in and out and when on land. Important to the speed of the boat. The smoother the better. Look for cracks in the metal that connect rudder to boat. Centerboards should fit smoothly but snugly through hole. >$1000 for a good new set of DSK brand foils so check them out.
Other Bits - Less important but worth looking at: Dolly (trolley). Very frustrating if the wheels fall off (literally and metaphorically). Should be able to pull it apart for transport. Covers (top & bottom). Very helpful for protecting when stored or transported. Pulleys (“blocks”) should spin well but replaceable. Airbags - need 3. Spares are good. Also need ropes, mast clamp, bailers, paddle but all replaceable.
