New boat, hull optional extra...

[extravert]

Well not quite, but not far off!

I have been investigating Corsair trimarans, and not only is an engine an optional extra, but sails are as well. I could understand if the basic package had only basic sails and fancy racing ones were extra, but not having any at all seems to be taking 'options' to the extreme. Do you think think they are still allowed to market it as a 'yacht' if the basic package has no means of propulsion?

 

[tome]

What do you mean by propulsion?

I'm keeping my head down on this one in case Simonc spots another opportunity for wig-waving...

 

[extravert]

Re: What do you mean by propulsion?

> What do you mean by propulsion?

...er, doesn't it mean a means of making the boat move through the water, which for most yachts is either sails or engine? I haven't seen rowlocks and oars specified either.

What is wig-waving?

 

[chas]

At least you can put it in a marina and go and stay on it at weekends - or are bunks optional?

 

[Twister_Ken]

At least you get a mast!

So you could sail downwind very slowly.

But seriously though folks, it may be that the builders realise that anybody considering a Corsair is an intelligent, knowledgeable, experienced sailor, who has the nous to realise that standard sails are built down to a price, and would rather discuss the whole question of propulsion with his or her tame sailmaker.

(or they might just be cheapskates)

 

[extravert]

Re: At least you get a mast!

I suppose that even with no sails, just with hull and mast windage, it will still beat a Cent... no stoppit! I'll get flamed again!

I guess there are 2 reasons...

To get the advertised price down so potential buyers are not scared off on initial investigation. All manufacturers do this to some extent, but Corsair seem to take the line honours here (unless anyone knows better).

As previously mentioned, so that purchasers can buy sails to their specification, and perhaps more importantly, locally. You wouldn't want to send a blown out main back to San Diego for a warranty claim.

What suprised me though was the smallness of the print that sails were not included. In fact it doesn't even say that, it just says for sails options please contact your importer. So I ask what are the standard sails, and he replies 'What standard sails?'

 

[Guest]

Re: What do you mean by propulsion?

But just think how much you could save on motoring cones!

 

[david_e]

Re: At least you get a mast!

Beware, this is just the warming up process to get you ready for the rest of it, small print soons turns to numbers) Are there any used ones about?

 

[southchinasea]

My new boat (monohull) was offered with an engine plus 1 Genoa and 1 Mainsail
as 'standard'. Of course I required a fully battened 'classic' main which was extra! I find it odd a yacht can be advertised, as you say, with no means of making way. After my own experience of 'optional extras' I agree with another poster who suggested it is a good way for makers to keep the base price reasonable.
Cheers

 

[Strathglass]

I am in agreement with Twister_Ken's post
Many traditional racing sailing dinghies are sold without sails. Or with a choice of optional sails from several sailmakers
This is to enable the buyer to decide on his own sailmaker. It is not really a way of showing a reduced price. It is a way of offering the customer a wider choice.
How often have you read a report on a yacht which states 'the yacht did not sail well on the standard supplied sails a better set would make a significent improvement'.
Why should the buyer pay for those inferior sails in the first
place?

Iain

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by iainsimpson on 22/10/2002 09:31 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[extravert]

That sounds a bit familar, didn't I just read that in the Bav aria thread about the standard sails being a bit limp. Dragonfly trimarans though come with what looks like a decent set of Mylar sails as standard, and then you can upgrade to Spectra ones for a load more wonga.