[quote=shortyfox]I agree mostly with Dogboy on this one but would like to add a little bit. You might want to seriously consider where you are sailing and launching before making a choice. Where I sail, shallow water comes up fast and the water isn't all that clear. The other thing is beach launching solo with any kind of decent shore break is more problematic with boards, if a wave pushes you backwards and your rudders are down....It's long been known that U shaped hulls with high aspect ratio boards are the most efficient. Centerboards cannot be as efficient for obvious reasons but there is something else to consider when buying an older boat with centerboards. They have mechanism, a pivot and usually a friction catch to keep them down and with bigger trunks are sometimes prone to leaks. The upside, and it's a big one, is they kick up. Dagger boards can also damage the trunk as well as the board. In my experience the ability of a boat with boards to sail more close hauled that one without boards definitely exist but not as much as you might think. I know this from sailing my old, tired G-Cat with twenty-five-thousand-dollar Nacras for company. The trick is getting your weight forward as much as you dare and don't sail the boat flat. If you're sailing for just the pure enjoyment of it, a minor difference in how close winded you are is inconsequential. But the main thing is of course, get the best deal boards or no boards. And don't forget, you can always race under handicap rules anyway.[/quote]
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