In a message dated 1/4/00 11:07:38 AM Mountain Standard Time, Dulcinea77
writes:
<< By your logic, the J-35, which does not have the same hull shape is then
not a J-boat. Right? So it is not deserving of the J name? >>
It's a J/Boat. It's not a J29 though, is it. Nah! they're all built by the
same bunch, J/Boats, that Johnstone family, who used to own Sunfish/Laser.
We're probably lucky they didn't call their Lasers "J-Lasers".
Your J29 analogy is the right one. Those are all J29's no matter what rig
people buy for them.
The J/35, J/80, J/120 J/42- they're all Johnstone's boats, built by J/Boats
(although by different designers maybe?), and distinct classes. Same as J/24
and J/22. If we say the J/24 is the "classic" of the J/Boats then calling
their big 42' cruisy boat the "J/24.42" would be like Vanguard calling the
Pico the "Laser.Pico".
"Let's tack on this well-known class name so maybe we'll sell a lot more of
these <completely different> boats" is the attitude I have issues with.
When people order a J/boat, they know what they're getting, whatever size.
When people order a LaserPico, do they think they're getting something
related to a Laser? I'll bet some do. You thought your Laser2 was closely
related to Laser, right?
Same as C&C25, 27, 35, 39, 41 etc. They were all pretty different, actually,
but originated by Cuthbertson & Cassian all the same. (I can't remember, were
they the designers too?) Even when the rights to build them are sold to
someone else, they'll still call that boat by that name because they know
people buy the name and know what they're getting.
I'm saying Vanguard should call their Pico and Cat "Vanguard Pico" and
"Vanguard Cat". They should be proud to use Vanguard as their brand name
just like J-boats and C&C or Tartan did/do. They're a good company.
I just don't think it's right to use "Laser" as a brand name. Laser is a
distinct, classic design, and an International (and Olympic Class) just like
Star, Finn, Snipe and Sunfish. (last two are not Olympic of course) It
should be given the same respect.
Climbing down off my <brand name> soap box, now.
Lainie
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