My scan for the next boat has (temporarily?) landed on a 2002 Bimare F18HT (main and spin only). What can you guys offer me in terms of strengths and weakness of this boat? Thanks!
dave
My limited experience - some boats of that era are rather delicate, while some were customized to be more robust. The boat is a terrific upwind-downwind platform, as it is specifically designed as such, but is not a good choice for distance racing since other points of sail become involved. This is not a Formula 18 (which this particular forum is about) and would not be eligible for class racing without an unreasonable amount of modification.
If the boat you are looking at has been modified from stock, look for things like a raised rear beam, custom rudders, boards and running rigging. If it is a straight stock Jav, it would make a good two-up lake racer in breeze up to 15 - stellar performance in 8-10 A-C-A-C racing, but a serious handful as the breeze freshens.
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Thanks John, I've decided to buy it. It is a completely stock boat, and I have heard complaints about the rear beam being too low. Can you direct me to info on raising it? I don't really race, or do distance racing, I'm using it to blast around on a big mountain lake in northern ID (Coeur d'Alene) on the windy days(15 to 25 and gusty) we get in spring and fall. Once mid summer arrives the high pressure sets in and we see mostly sunny, hot, windless days. I've got the A cat on another lake for light air, and a big cat on Flathead Lake in northwest MT, which is big enough to generate thermal winds all summer. I'm a lucky boy!
Dave
Good to know you will be on Coeur d'Alene. My inlaws move up there a year ago and we may travel up there next summer. I almost made it out on the Reynolds 33 this year but it didn't work out and we ended up watching the fireworks on the 4th.
Jon