With a new-build IOM boat delivery being months from order (or build list sign-up), which boat would you sign up to?

Edited October 6Oct 6 by David Davies

Are you looking for a steer on the best design, or which likely to arrive soonest? (perhaps a balance of both).

I don't know at what point the builders require a nonrefundable payment but, until that point, how about 'all of them'...?

Nigel Barrow has a number of useful posts if you'd like one person's thoughts/experiences on a few designs e.g. https://www.nigelbarrow.co.uk/post/the-first-outings-with-the-viss

Edited October 3Oct 3 by Colin Helliwell

Thanks Colin.

Not necessarily looking for the ‘best’ nor the shortest lead time, but personal suggestions.

The ‘best’ performing may not necessarily be the ‘nicest’ boat.

You have left off the GC24 and Venti from the poll ..... both are still in production but getting on a waitlist may not be possible.

Remember to factor in any tax or postage.

Thanks Graham.

I suppose what I’m looking for is to understand people’s allegiances to boats - why did they or would they choose a particular design. So it’s not so much a price or lead time question.

David

Look for a design that not just one skipper has had success with, as he's probably one of the best skippers in the World and would win with anything half decent but a design that many different skippers have had success with and its taken a mid fleeter to the front of the fleet.

Edited October 4Oct 4 by Graham Elliott

Hmmm. My ancient ISIS is consistently mid field without really trying. If my mind doesn’t wander mid race I can keep pace with the best boats in the club in 45 degree A rig conditions.

If, especially, you're new to the class then you might want to factor in which are popular designs at your club - you'll then have a good breadth of knowledge and advice to tap into at the lakeside. Many designs have setup info all over the interweb, but good to be able to compare your setup with another, there-and-then, and actually see how things compare on the water.

My club has many Britpops (of course), also several Venti and now Alioth. I personally wouldn't go for a new K2, for example, as we don't have any of them. (I have a Sedici, cos a tidy one became available 2nd hand. I don't myself have the inclination for the cash & delay of brand new - I'm not good enough lol)

I’d suggest in the current climate, whenever possible; buy British!

Thre aren't many on that shortlist....

2 hours ago, Gary Dickens said:

Thre aren't many on that shortlist....

Great. Thanks.

I’d suggest in the current climate, whenever possible; buy British!

My advice, for what it’s worth.

Get yourself a britpop.

Mine is about 13 years old and has been a totally dry boat til recently when I discovered a small impact hole.

I’m pretty sure that the only thing coming between me and glory has been my own failings.

Thank you Peter.

Thanks for replying.

A bit left field possibly but Dave Creed has updated both his Lintel and Slimtel designs. I have both and they are going very well at club level. Delivery is 8 weeks approx. I understand they are quite popular in Europe.

Ahh, interesting! 🤔

I’m going to take a look now!

Thanks.