Chris Prince wrote:
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I want to change ships. Presently, I fly a Schweizer 1-35.
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I have reached max gross weight on the ship, and want to add more toys.
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My budget is in the same range as the cost of a Schweizer 1-35 (around 20K
US dollars). I don't particlarly feel the need to go up in L/D
performance.
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I think a 15-meter ship is best for my flying.
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My thoughts right now have put a priority on a T-tailed ship, and one that
sits up really high on the gear. Perhaps I should state: top-wing-only dive
brakes too.
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Within my price range a Jantar Standard seems to fit these criteria.
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Thoughts?

Given that you've already crossed to the dark side (i.e.
large-deflection landing flaps), you've just described an unmodified
Zuni I (Zuni II's sit lower). and a Slingsby Vega. (And, Wil Schuemann's
former AS W-12 in its 15-meter form...which lacks dive brakes
altogether, relying on two drag 'chutes.)

Finding taller-geared ships will be difficult.

The Zuni (with large ballast tanks) flies at wing loadings of ~5.5
psf-~11 psf. I can never remember if its gross weight is 1100 pounds or
1200 pounds; empty weight with an O2 system will be under 700 pounds.
It'll easily fall within your price range, too.

Regards,
Bob W.