Was a good boat before they tried to make it a racing boat. Was not designed to be raced and put under the strains that they are now, hence why they break so often. Dont get me wrong, I like toppers but only for the purpose they were designed for - training.
Whoever wrote that it is like a bad pony must be mad. The topper is the most versatile boat in the world and PERFECT for ANYONE! It is lightweight and has a strong racing scene - 240 boats at inlands last week. I learnt to sail in one amoung other boasta and it won hands down, at only 12 i won a club race in shoreham in gale strong winds against very competitive double handers - on handicapp. it is a friendly class which encourages participation - you have not lived if you have't sailed a topper.
I am 12 stone and still enjoy sailing one. The racing controls make it easier to bend the mast and get good results from an old sail. Not at its best at sea in a bit of a chop because of the blunt stem. The small volume of water that it takes on board is easily shifted by the self bailer.
Many people including ourselves can have to say thanks to the Topper as it is the indistructable little boat that got us sailing. Grow out of it at about 10stone or keen kid wanting something faster. Ideal for holidays if you want a cartoppable boat which can be dragged up and down beaches and then used as a swimming platform and generally abused! We have had one for many years after 'grandad gave up sailing it at 68years old!
Too small for adults, a little too wayward for children. Nose injuries from the boom are a frequent complaint on these snappy, nippy little boats. Like a fast but slightly bad-tempered pony...Not a great fan. Wouldn't buy one.
The Topper is a singlehanded boat designed in 1976 by Ian Proctor. Smaller and carrying less sail area than most other singlehanded boats the Topper is never the less suitable for adults as well as children to sail, although if you weigh over 11 stone you are unlikely to be competitive at racing. The boat is simple to rig and with an injection moulded polypropylene hull should give many years of service with low maintenance. Over 42000 boats have been built so finding a good example should not be too difficult, look to damage to the bottom and how well the hull deck joint has stood up to time, as with other boats a sail and foils in good condition are a bonus. Plenty of fun and a wet ride can be had in a Topper.
Length 3.4m Beam 1.2m Weight 43kg Sail area 5.2sqft Portsmouth Number 1288
Topper - a good beginner's boat (indestructible, safe), but no longer the best. For my money, the Laser Pico is better. More expensive, but bigger, more versatile, and less tippy. More fun for adults... the Topper is really a boat for kids only.
Never owned
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