Essential Laser XD Sailing Hardware
Here is the best class approved sailing hardware money can buy for competitive laser racing
Harken Boom Vang |
Harken Deck Cleat and Blocks |
Harken Micro Air Blocks |
Harken Laser Boom and Traveler Blocks |
Rooster Clew Strap |
Acme Carbon Tiller |
Harken Clew Hook |
JCD Carbon Tiller Extension |
Ronstan 60mm Ratchet Main Block |
C-Vane Wind Indicator |
Sailing Hardware Review Page 2
After I'd upgraded the control hardware I moved on to the tiller and extension. I had started sailing lasers with the old tiller and a short extentsion, I was used to it so I didn't realize what I was missing. After upgrading to the acme tiller I quickly noticed that the play between the rudder and tiller was gone. Can you imagine driving your car with the steering wheel being able to move slightly without the wheels turning? The acme carbon tiller made a huge improvement in feel and control while also improving the traveler function. My next upgrade was the JCD tiller extension. I did a great deal of research on extensions and asked lots other sailors what they would recommend. I quickly found out that the JCD extensions are popular even on keelboats because of the excellent grip. The JCD extension is more expensive than the other extensions but after trying it out, it was money well spent. The JCD extension gives you the perfect length, grip and weight for one design sailing. Its also made locally so I'm glad to support small businesses like JCD and Acme. (I would say the acme tiller extension is a close second to the JCD.) What in the world was I thinking sailing with the old tiller and extension? I quickly realized that because the old tiller was too short I had to really stretch to reach the controls often losing control while doing so. Another downfall to the short extension and tiller was that on roll tacks I lost grip of the tiller several times scubadiving off to windward. Although I didn't realize it until upgrading, this combo is a must have for any serious sailor.
The combination of all of the hardware will quickly improve your sailing and racing making the boat quicker and easier to tune. You will have a great deal more control over your boat. For frostbiting it is definitely worth it to invest in a quality dry suit. You want to be comfortable while sailing and especially while racing. I have a gill drysuit with neoprene neck and arms, way more comfortable than rubber. I'm very happy with my new gill and it has kept me very comfortable during frostbiting season. Front zip is essential in my eyes because if for any reason you need to get your suit off for instance it leaks (happened with my old suit) you need to find someone to help you get out of it. If you've got a back zip triple check that it doesn't leak before going out on the water. If you have an older drysuit with rubber neck and arms you can replace them with neoprene for the same cost as the rubber ones. All you need is the seals, some aquaseal and something to keep the shape of the seal while it dries (I used a 2 liter soda bottle for the arms and an old pot for the neck).