Quote:
Originally Posted by CoachRib
I've been recommended a 5.4m Tornado as an excellent choise for coaching sailors because it's dry, sturdy and have excellent sea handling. Searching this forum has made me aware that other brands might have very similar hull shapes. I realize this is a sensitive subject, but I still like to ask what alternative brands you would recommend for me?
Also I'd very much like to know if anyone has experience of the 5.4 or 5.8R VSR rib? That brand is specifically designed for my purpose but very extreme in the shape?
Please don't refer me to old threads if possible, thanks!
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just sharing experience but this will be just another opinion: reckon it would be better to try it yrself and drive them both to get a good comparison... suppose one national event for the class you are dealing with would give you the opportunity?
I did a run with a VSR 5.4 the other day on the IJsselmeer in the netherlands and it proved ok for slow speeds in short steep waves (i.e. relatively dry boats) but i welt less comfy downwind at speed (they tend to 'choose' themselves which side of the wave they like to surf from and they are have not so much volume in the bow).
My impression was also it was not a very 'roomy' boat, although as a coach you will not really consider that as a downside. Looking at how the various nations power them, they seem to do well with relatively small engines but that (apparently) low weight also made the boat i drove feel 'light' and expect at heavy weather you will notice.
my vote would be for the tornado - did you consider an XS ribs ? on that list i think you will find some alternatives on this forum since everybody has/will have a personal preference and please note that ribs are all about 'compromise suited for your precise needs' .
For example for sailing race management we have flat floored joker 515's at our yachtclub and they prove to be sturdy, reliable, idiot proof boats with plenty of room to haul around with large coursemarks, however personally i would never buy one neither would i consider them good sailingcoach boats.... another compromise!