This is an open question for thoughts and opinions as to boats. I previously had a Prindle 18 for about 12 years. Recently I've considered getting another boat and have been looking at the 580 and N20. I've never sailed a boat with a spin, and wonder is there much to it, and I'm concerned about the postings of snapping the mast and or pole if not sailed properly. I live on the west coast of Florida, and have concerns of the shallow waters in close. Would it be smarter to go with the dagger boards of the 580 rather than the boards of the N20?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Mlcreek
The 580 has centerboards which will kick up and pivot into the hull if grounded - no harm done bar a bit of cosmetic.
the I20 has daggerboards which do not kick up if grounded. the good news is that the daggerboard will break rather than the hull. saying that, i have grounded pretty hard on a 20, eased the sails, wrestled the daggers up and continued many times.
The 580 looks a good boat but suffers from not having a racing fleet to fit into. It reminds me of the N6.0 but with centerboards.
The 20 is certainly better suited to a spinny, but the 580 may fit the bill for you.
Using a spinny is not as dramatic as you may think if you pick your conditions and know a few basic principles that the guys on this forum are sure to impart....
Yes adding a spinnaker is definitely worth the money. With the 580 you can add it later if you want to save some money up front. If you want to go the 580 route, get it with a boom..much better if you then add the spin later.
PC sells a complete spin kit.. You can also get a self tacker on the boat but the jib is cut a bit differently, so better to get this when you order the boat. Hull shape is very much like the N6.0, just a bit shorter. Rig is the latest design square top mylar main similar to the f18 but bigger.
But I think the biggest question is what are you going to do with the boat? If just cruising with the occasional open regatta then the 580 would be a great boat, but if you are really going to do the regatta circuit then the N20 is the boat..Also, there is a great difference in price, as you know. But for pure fun sailing factor, a 580 with self tacker and spin would equal a N20 for less money. If you buy the PC spin kit PC will not void the warranty, but if you put your own spin system on it, it just might.
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