i want to build an F16 blade out of okoume and im wondering if i build daggerboard cases maybe sometime in the future i could develop my own flying foils?

Looking at the pictures of a blade build, it looks like you have to build a case anyway. Switching to lifting foils later would just mean replacing it.

http://www.thebeachcats.c…pictures?g2_itemId=11955

The A-Class is doing a lot of that as they experiment with lifting foils.



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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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Good photo, but notice how the daggerboard case isn't tied into the rest of the hull? It isn't designed to take any vertical lifting loads!!!! That's the problem with converting old boats to foilers if the aren't designed for it during the build-you really need to tie that trunk into more of the primary structure of the boat, and guess what, that structure is usually the beams! Notice how both the FCS and Phantom have their foils just aft of the main beam? This is done first for control reasons, but it also puts the daggerboard case closer to one of the stiffest parts of the boat = less weight needed in structure to reinforce the hulls/daggerboard trunk for vertical loads.

This is less of an issue on the A-cat, because most foilers get new trunks anyway that are wider and tied in with the side walls of the hull. Also, the A is ~75-100lbs lighter than a wooden F16, requiring smaller foils for flight and is generally stiffer and stronger to begin with using more advanced materials. It's really a better platform for this kind of work, though 2-up on a F16 is always fun!!

Also, there is an easier to build version of the Australian Blade called the Razor: http://aus-f16.blogspot.com/2010/08/phil-brander-talks-about-aussie-blade.html

I would talk to Matt McDonald @ Falcon Marine if you are at all serious about the F16 class/foiling etc.