Doing some planning on getting back into the F18 class, this time on the East Coast, and looking at NACRA Mk I and Mk II Infusions. I can't remember what the changes were between the Mk I and Mk II. Can anyone fill me in? Additionally, can anyone let me know if the MKI centerboard trunks were all gybing board trunks and if the recommendation is to make them non-gybing (I seem to remember this).
Also did a search - saw the thread on the Mk II but was wondering how much really changed. Looks like a board upgrade will be needed at a minimum if getting a Mk I.
Thanks,
P.A.
I don't really think their is a MKI it is just an Infusion which has had some small changes over the years new sail cuts, non jibing boards. The Infusion MKII has the latest sail cuts, new longer boards with carbon trailing edges, rudders have carbon trailing edges, thicker wall boom, no non skid on front decks, new rubber non skid, better build quality, plastic isolation washers between ss hardware and aluminum. Their may be others just can't remember now. Also you can get options carbon tiller (very nice), 10:1 main, adjustable trap, tapered main and spin halyard, quick release rotation arm, stamasters.
Shouldn't the 10:1 be standard equipment?
They are not just
carbon trailing edges
but actually all carbon boards with only the trailing edges being clear coated (AFAIK), same goes for all the manufacturers (carbon is required to take the loads). The clear coat trailing edge looks cool but is harder to fix (cosmetically) and would opt for white trailing edges next time.
Right now the top two boats through all wind speeds / conditions IMO are the C2 and MKII infusion, see NA results for proof. The WildCat seems to only have an advantage in light flat water, even then, the new longer boards in the C2 and the MKII may have taken that away.
All of the above is just my two cents, but if I was looking for a new boat I would be looking at the C2 and the MKII, take both out for test sails, talk to both local dealers, etc etc.
Let's see some pictures of the new weapon.
I heard you bought one...
The good news is I do not own a new boat, as I am still unsure where all my 49ers are (the wife is a bit non-plussed on this detail). As far as the new F18, it is owned by a good friend who is the boat manager for the RC44 team AQUA so the boat got picked up last weekend and is now getting all cleaned-up/detailed, I have not seen it yet. I however, own new F18 sails....
I have decided to sell my Nacra Infusion for a new MkII. I do not think the extra dough is a great idea (read: worth it) I just like the idea of a new boat, and I think it is time for one. I will choose the MkII over the others because I am now very used to the way it sails.
I have not sailed the WildCat yet but I know it is a fast boat. Bill W took all firsts with his son in breeze on Saturday of the last regatta. Tipped and broke his rudder crossbar in the first race on Sunday so could not finish races.
I think the C2 sails a lot like the infusion and is very buoyant, which I do like. I am just used to the Infusion now.
Probably put it up for sale when the season starts again.