Buying a Used Boat

Results to date indicate that provided the hull, keel and rudder are fair and the sails are recent, older and newer boats are a match for boatspeed.

There are no known special problems with used 707's. The iron keel can rust if neglected, but this is obvious. Some boats have bottoms, keels or rudders in poor condition - this can be rectified but as this is time-consuming and/or expensive, this should be factored into the price. A recent set of little-used sails is good, but a large pile of blown-out old sails is not really that useful.

It is worth getting hold of a set of class rules and checking that all the safety equipment required is there, as buying it all new is a significant cost e.g. a set of self-inflating life jackets could be a haggling point. Sharing a boat

A substantial proportion of 707's are co-owned, and this is a good way of sharing both the cost and effort of running a boat. If you don't already know potental co-owners, the class association may be able to put you into contact. See Sharing. Sails

The class has a single sailmaker, Elvstrom. The price of sails compare favourably with classes of a similar size, contact Elvstrom for the prices and availability.

As a guideline to the longevity of sails in racing condition, on average the sails will last well for about 18 months of use. Some owners replace sails less often, some more. Electronics

Class rules permit a speed & depth unit, and the majority of boats are fitted with Autohelm Bidata units. The O-ring seal on these sometimes fails over time. Due to system incompatibilities and simple differences in the size of holes in the hull, it is likely to be simplest to replace whatever electronics were originally fitted when parts fail - which sooner or later they will. Class rules also now allow an electronic compass, and require you to carry a marine VHF. For Solent racing, a GPS is not that useful for the majority of racing we do around short windward/leeward courses, but can be a helpful aid at Cowes Week. Paperwork

Class rules are available here, or in printed form from the RYA for a small fee.

To race in class, the owner of a 707 must be a member of the class association. See the page on Joining the Association.

When you buy either a new or used 707, it should have an existing class measurement certificate. In the case of a used boat, this becomes invalid when the boat changes hands, and you need to re-register with the RYA. Physical remeasurement is not required. You also need send a copy of your new certificate to the class secretary - see Contact to get in touch.

If you plan to take part in handicap racing under IRC, you need to obtain a new certificate from the RORC Rating Office, or revalidate the boat's existing one. Physical measurement is not required - class-compliant 707's are eligible for an Endorsed rating as a recognised one-design. A fee of the order of £50 per annum is payable. Towing

Your car's manual should state the maximum weight of braked trailer you are permitted to tow. It is an offence to exceed this, and it will also probably invalidate your insurance. A 707 plus trailer plus, say, a crew's luggage for Cork Week, may exceed the limit for some 2-litre family saloons. It is worth checking - see here for a useful resource on UK towing law.

Four-wheel trailers are more stable to tow, but two-wheel are easier to manoeuvre by hand, which may be a consideration if you plan to regularly self-launch by crane.