I continually brows this forum because I am VERY interested in a 16 footer and the F16 class.
Perhaps I should have bit my tongue several times, however most of what I have said is because of how much Wouter has pi$$ed me off, both recently and in the past with his uneducated (sailing not engineering) comments.
I have a few direct questions.
1) As the rules currently read, is it possible to build a boat down to min weight with increased hull volume and extensive use of exotics, increasing stiffness, longlivety and structural integrity well beyond what manufactures are currently doing?
2) Will this cost significantly more then the current boats?
3) Will these boats be far superior in performance then the current boats?
4) How will the class prevent this from happening?
Currently manufactures are building down to min weight. Let’s hope they are not under building to achieve this due to customer demands.
5) If it is so important for the class to stick to min weight and the manufacturers are currently achieving this with glass boats and alloy sticks, then should the class restrict the use of composites in the best interest of the manufactures and affordable manufacturing. Current boats can be grandfathered in though?
The class does not have to be hasty and answer here, but can consult with current manufactures, other experienced sailors, industry workers and established classes. If it is a valid concern, then they discuss with their members about changes if any that may be required to the rules in the future.
I got the following message from Stephen:
Could you please atleast think about the questions I have asked. Avoiding or censoring the questions only leads to upsetting people and shifting the problem elsewhere. I believe they are very valid along with some very experienced
sailors that have also posted and several others that have personally contacted me by phone, personal messages and email.
Quote:
1) As the rules currently read, is it possible to build a boat down to min weight with increased hull volume and extensive use of exotics, increasing stiffness, longlivety and structural integrity well beyond what manufactures are currently doing?
2) Will this cost significantly more then the current boats?
3) Will these boats be far superior in performance then the current boats?
4) How will the class prevent this from happening?
Currently manufactures are building down to min weight. Let’s hope they are not under building to achieve this due to customer demands.
5) If it is so important for the class to stick to min weight and the manufacturers are currently achieving this with glass boats and alloy sticks, then should the class restrict the use of composites in the best interest of the manufactures and affordable manufacturing. Current boats can be grandfathered in though?
The class does not have to be hasty and answer here, but can consult with current manufactures, other experienced sailors, industry workers and established classes. If it is a valid concern, then they discuss with their members about changes if any that may be required to the rules in the future.
My reply:
If you and others want change, you have been informed on how to go about it.
Regards
Rolf
excellent reply.
If he, macca or sue ask the same question again, send the same PM.
If they post in public again.
I would suggest we leave the thread in public for one hour with the following
This subject has been asnwered many times, you have been give the same answer via the public F16 forum and you have also been given the same answer via private message.
This thread will remain in public for 60 minutes so you and others can read the this again.
The subject is then closed.
New message from Stephen:
Thanks Rolf,
I have attempted to be constructive in my comments however have failed due to over-reacting from other over the top responses. I have tried to discuss valid points and concerns but have been shot down by some without much of a clue.
Please let me know how I can go about addressing these concerns with the F16 class and sugesting they seriously review them (can not propose changes as I am not a class member). I am not willing to invest in the class unless I am satisfied the product I will purchase will not potentially become obsolite due to any fully optimised Carbon specials built.
If the manufacuters are happy with the weight ie Blade, building glass boats with alloy sticks, then would it hurt to minimise the use of exoticts to eliminate the possibility of someone throwing big $$$$ at a boat that will be far superior in performance.
Questions again are
1) As the rules currently read, is it possible to build a boat down to min weight with increased hull volume and extensive use of exotics, increasing stiffness, longlivety and structural integrity well beyond what manufactures are currently doing?
2) Will this cost significantly more then the current boats?
3) Will these boats be far superior in performance then the current boats?
4) How will the class prevent this from happening?
5) Currently manufactures are building down to min weight. Let’s hope they are not under building to achieve this due to customer demands.
If it is so important for the class to stick to min weight and the manufacturers are currently achieving this with glass boats and alloy sticks, then should the class restrict the use of composites in the best interest of the manufactures and affordable manufacturing. Current boats can be grandfathered in though?
Cheers
Stephen
My reply
the F16 class works like any other class. You have to be a member to propose changes to the rules.
I fully believe your questions have been answered in full and at length on the F16 forum. If you are not satisfied with the answers you have recieved from class members, you should approach the GC. Phill Brander and Hans Klok are both very much into the class, boat construction and catamaran sailing.They would be the natural GC members to approach. If you dont recieve the answers you want from them either, perhaps another class with other rules would fit you better.
Regards
Rolf
To be fair:
Thanks,
PMed Phil.
Cheers
Stephen