Which boat: Bimare or F16?

Recent rumor on this forum was that Bim may build a F16.

http://www.catsailor.com/forums/sho... umber=119062&page=0&vc=1

Thanks, just went back to the french forum (http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/cata/message/17533). If my french is not to bad, the translation would be:

For your information, we stopped the F104 project, since the min. weight of 135kg and aluminium mast is not inline with our vision of a cat development.
In fact we will propose a new 16ft in our 2008 program ... and we will also offer a F16 compatible version

The writer of this email cited is named

Francis Ferrari

Nevertheless, I am still hoping to find any Bim 16 sailor...

If you are interested in another F16 design, I can show you the look and feel of a Blade F16. And this very locally to you, in Hamburg. I'm sailing on the Elbe near Blankenese.
Some other F16 here to play with in the next season would be cool.
Holger

Hi Holger,

Thanks for the offer. Of course I would like see and 'feel' it. I will contact you via email.

Cheers

Basically there are 3 Bim 16's in existance.

-1- the original Bim 16 (although its design was modified several times)
-2- the javelin 16 (prototyped but not much seen after)
-3- the newly announced Bim F16 (no photo's of the prototype have been seen yet)

For the type -1- you can contact Martien Kooijman as he has sailed one for I think 2 years, he sold it last year and got a Blade F16. I think I can put you in contact with him if you really want, however this type is not produced anymore (stopped in 2002 I believe) and they are extremely rare in northern Europe. For example I think there has only been 1 in the whole of the Netherlands ever.

For the type -2- I know of no-one you can speak to except the Bimare yard itself. I do keep track of these things but I have never learned of anyone buying this version in Northern Europe or the rest of the world. There may be a few sold in Italy, Spain and Switzerland but I'm not aware of it.

For type -3-, I guess you have to wait for it as it has not been launched yet, as of yet it is still an announcement without any proof of existance. Although, I do hear rumours from different sources that the project has come far already.

This is the best I can do for you.

Wouter

Thanks Wouter,

I guess the Bim 16 (1) is that boat, which is in the Texel-rating. If this is the case, I do not need to contact to Martien Kooijman, nevertheless many thanks for your offer. In fact my concern with the Javelin 16 is the weight. The official statements are 95-110kg (depending on the dealer)...

Cheers,

Klaus, alias Smiths Cat

Same one.

Including a spi package etc I wouldn't expect the jav 16 to come out below 100 kg. With an alu mast it will be 105 or higher.

Wouter

The ideal weight... <img src=

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Yes, but that excludes the jib package as the Javelin 16 doesn't carry a jib, nor are the hulls reinforced to take one. Basically you'll be sailing it as a uni-rig when sailing 2-up.

Wouter

PS.

The Bim 16 quoted in the Texel rating listing is actually one of the first Bim 16 models, 4 years ago its mainsail was replaced by a new mainsail of F16 dimensions. As it was the first model Bim 16 it had an 8.5 mtr long aluminium mast and could easily be converted. As written earlier the boat was been sold, ... , to a sailor in South Korea ! So I guess that next to Singapore and China, we now also have a F16 presence in South Korea.

I just thought some readers on this forum would like to know.

Wouter

Hi Wouter and all,

just to inform you. There are at least two Javeline 16 in Germany, one in northern one in southern Germany. Both on lakes. I got in contact with one of the oweners who kindly answered my questions. I got also some replies from the German dealer.
Probably I will go for this boat, due to its lightweight and CFRP mast. Unfortunately there is no continental Stealth dealer...

cheers

Is there not one in NL ?

One tip of advice, measure the boat and confirm the weight claim. I know they say the Javelin 16 is 90 kg or whatever but I've never seen it actually be at its claimed weight in independent measurements. Of the measurements that I'm aware the boats were typically 105-110 kg which is the same as the F16's.

Good luck with your new boat and the best of enjoyment.

Wouter

Folded a while ago. Didn't do any real promo, remained largely unknown in the catamaran scene. Sadly a loss as a proper mainland agent will be very helpful to the Stealth design.

Wouter

BIMARE started to build racing catamarans in 1974 and is still on the market.

Be sure that also the Javelin 16 is a fast and reliable boat.

Besides at EUR 11,560 (carbon mast) or EUR 10,560 (aluminium mast) ready to sail (with hooter) is much cheaper than any F16s.

Therefore if you want to race in a small but growing class go for a F16, if you are looking for fun and plan to race from time to time only Open regattas go for the BIMARE javelin 16.

Hi Catsailor,

Compared to a cat rigged Stealth F16, it is not so much cheaper. But if there is no dealer or second hand boat close to you, there is no real decision to take.

Hobie and Nacra exist also for long time, but I would neither buy a Fx1 nor an I-17. Newcomer on the market produce good or better boats.

Hence I come to a different conclusion:
Both boats are good. Buying a F16 I would help an inovative class to grow, buying a Jav 16 I would save some but not many bugs, have maybe a lighter boat...
But again: Boats must be available.
Anyway thanks for your comment, even if I do not agree.

Cheers,

Klaus

Yes but then again the FX1 and I17 are too heavy to be seriously considered as uni-rig (perhaps with exception to the carbon mast version of the I17).