That's what I've been wondering. I'm keen on these boats but let's face it, cost matters. Sure, design, materials, hull shape, weight, etc are important. But cost is always going to factor in. Also, I've been wondering how the F16HP boats compare to the big guys 17 footers.
I've contacted different dealers/manufacturers, and they've been very helpful--Helen for Taipan, John for Stealth, and WF for Jav. They have been prompt to respond to all inquiries and each seems very easy to work with. I have not heard any response back from the makers of the Swell Spitfire or the Ventilo Zipo.
Please note that I am not a dealer nor am I an expert in cat sailing or design. I'm sure each of these boats have plusses and minusses that others could debate more intelligently. But I'm sure there are folks out there like me who just want a rough idea what these boats cost.
Here's the prices I've come up with in my research, not including tax or shipping (note that these were all quotes, not invoice or guaranteed prices--just meant to show ballpark):
1. Taipan 4.9 kevlar sloop with spinnaker
$9,717 (not including shipping from AUS)
2. Stealth sloop with spinnaker
$10,900 (not including shipping from UK)
3. Javelin 16 uni with spinnaker
$10500-11500 with carbon mast
$9750-10750 with alu mast
(imported via WF)
4. Inter 17R uni with spinnaker [not f16hp]
$11195
5. Hobie FX-1 uni with spinnaker[not f16hp]
$11590
The neat thing about formula racing is the potential for several types of boats to thrive and compete evenly.
If cost is an issue, (as it is for most sailors !) consider the option of building a Taipan yourself, plans are available from AHPC for marine plywood construction. This brings the costs of the hulls down considerably, and you can spend the money on better fittings ! Last I heard the timber Taipans are competitive at the Auzzie Nationals and are not slower than Kevlar boats. You will need to spend a bit of time maintaining the finish though.
There`s nothing nicer than sailing past guys on a boat you built yourself ! I sail a timber boat after having had a fibreglass boat for 3 years, and you definitely learn to love a wooden boat more. (I think you bond more with the boat after sanding it down & respraying it !, making your own rudders & centreboards etc.)
Cheers
Steve
6. Swell Spitfire Sloop with Spin
12,500 euros
7. Cirrus Energy Sloop with Spin
11,858 euros
From this I conclude the Formula 16 has succesfully achieved one of the primairy goals as set in the beginning.
- Provide affordable entry into the high performance part of the catamaran world.
All Formula 16 boats are considerable cheaper (even with shipping) than the alternatives and pack better performance at that too. A double win.
Aussies at Foster regatta a few weeks ago managed to outpace the Tiger sailed by like of mr Summer ex TheMightyHobie18 world champ and top 10 ranking F18 sailor. If the Taipan 4.9 is up to the job than surely all Formula 16's will be able to battle it out with the F18's. OKay, a little more time developping the F16 platform wouldn't harm too, but this means that things can only get better still.
Not much goals left to achieve but the last 10 % is very important nevertheless.
Working hard behind the scenes,
Wouter