Been shopping for a new F-18. The prices are out of control. So if all the measures in the rules are to keep costs down why are they getting to be the most expensive boat to buy.
Prices have jumped almost $10,000 in 6 years. That is just plain stupid. Now it's almost cheaper to buy a F-20C than an Infusion, C2,Wildcat,Cirrus R, or Phantom.

If they can build a Tornado for $21,000 why can't they build a F-18 for that?

The Tornado price you have is a couple of years old and does not include sails.

There is only one opportunity to buy an F20C for less than a new F18 - that is a used vs new scenario, too.

Yes, prices have gone up - in that period, we have seen all F18 production go overseas, so every purchase price for US sailors is based on some other currency. Until Matt finishes the new Falcon Marine F18, that situation will continue.

In addition, while I appreciate your sticker-shock, please take 15 minutes and price a Melges 24... or even the jib for a FARR 40. We have world-class racing for a fraction of the cost in just about any other class on the planet.

I've been wondering the same thing. I bought my 2004 Nacra F18 brand new for $12,800 without trailer and now they are almost twice as much. The pricing doesn't seem in scale with the other boats manufacturers build given the volume they are building them.

2004 - built in Santa Ana, CA and the money went to Nacra US.
2012 - built overseas, money to Nacra Europe.

Quote on a Tornado

15,900.00 EUR = 20,951.01 USD
Yes, its fully rigged and ready to sail out-of-the-box in the new and very strict high quality one design. Its made with Epoxi resin and Airex core.

http://www.darrenbundock.com/darrenbundock/4sale.html

Used boat, race ready, $38K USD

Where are you seeing a new boat for $21K USD? My Google isn't finding anything in that neighbourhood.

Rich Vilvens ‎15,900.00 EUR = 20,951.01 USD great price for that boat.

Rich Vilvens Is that fully rigged?

Roland Gaebler Yes, its fully rigged and ready to sail out-of-the-box in the new and very strict high quality one design. Its made with Epoxi resin and Airex core.

They put the price on the boat being used for the olympic selection trials.

Ah. Not quite apples to apples, eh?

How much to your door from Santander? ;-)

Ok John add a couple grand for tax and shipping it's still cheaper than most F-18's.

The price Rich is quoting is for the Exploder Tornado, and is being used as a selling point to get the class back into the Olympics. The price is quoted here: http://catsailingnews.blogspot.com/2012/02/olympic-trials-interview-with-roland.html The boat comes with one-design sails, which are also price controlled, so I'm sure that helps.

I suspect that part of the reason the price is relatively low for the Tornado is supply and demand. How many Tornados have been sold in the last few years? Have any of the Exploders actually sold at the price given, or is it part of the campaign for the games?

I don't know the answers, and I'm not accusing the Tornado class of anything, but I'm not sure it's a great comparison.