#245861 - 03/21/12 01:18 AM
Re: Why are F-18's so expensive?
[Re: F-18 5150]
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enthusiast
Registered: 10/17/11
Posts: 217
Loc: Palm Harbor, FL
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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?
I curious... Are you going to buy that $21K Tornado, or are you going to spend the extra for an F-18? I think your answer will help explain why F-18s cost more than Tornados... Just a thought.
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Daniel T.
Taipan F16 - USA 213
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#245862 - 03/21/12 01:31 AM
Re: Why are F-18's so expensive?
[Re: pgp]
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enthusiast
Registered: 10/17/11
Posts: 217
Loc: Palm Harbor, FL
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To build a stiff F18 you need to lower class weight.
To build a stiff F16 you need to increase class weight.
Why would class weight need to increase to build a stiff F-16? The class specifies minimum weight, not maximum. Hell, a Mystere 5.0 XL fits in the F-16 box. It's even heavier than the Viper.
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Daniel T.
Taipan F16 - USA 213
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#245863 - 03/21/12 01:33 AM
Re: Why are F-18's so expensive?
[Re: rehmbo]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 01/29/09
Posts: 5047
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OK Guys - against my better judgement, I have to post.
How in the world can these things get so twisted? This board is one of my favorites and you are clearly a smart bunch. However, every now and then things seem to go very awry. How can an objective question get turned into personal attacks? Perhaps its SAD, too much time on the hands, whatever...
My take: Things are simply more expensive. My apologies to non-US guys for this example, but a decked-out mid-size Buick was $25k 12 years ago. Just saw one on the lot Sunday for over $40k. Yikes! (btw, I was there for another reason - I'm not a big Buick fan...)
Why are they more expensive? There are many good (as in relevant) reasons, but I think that goes way beyond the scope of what we should belabor here. This is catsailor.com, isn't it?
Personally, I'm in the market for an F18. However I've held off due to cost. Do I begrudge that fact? No. I realize its a toy and putting money away for kids college etc. has to be a priority - at least for now ;-) . Imo, the perception of personal attacks is due to the acceptance of political correctness, debate is becoming a lost art. Unless you limit remarks to the banal you'll be subject to criticism.
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Pete Pollard
Blade 702
'When you have a lot of things to do, it's best to get your nap out of the way first.
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#245866 - 03/21/12 01:47 AM
Re: Why are F-18's so expensive?
[Re: daniel_t]
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veteran
Registered: 12/12/07
Posts: 1249
Loc: california
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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?
I curious... Are you going to buy that $21K Tornado, or are you going to spend the extra for an F-18? I think your answer will help explain why F-18s cost more than Tornados... Just a thought. Daniel. No I'm not going to buy a Tornado. I like the F-18 fleet in my area, and I also like my boat. At the current prices I will be keeping my Tiger or trying to pick up a used newer style boat.
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#245867 - 03/21/12 01:51 AM
Re: Why are F-18's so expensive?
[Re: pgp]
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veteran
Registered: 08/13/07
Posts: 1242
Loc: Gulf Coast relocated from Cali...
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I knew it was only a matter of time before the wheels fell off Pete's bus again.
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Lee
Sail fast or get the hell out of the way.
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#245868 - 03/21/12 02:01 AM
Re: Why are F-18's so expensive?
[Re: F-18 5150]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 08/07/07
Posts: 2144
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Pete's neither upset nor losing it, and probably his meds are working out just fine; he's just trying to have a debate, he even said so.
How else did we get to page 8 without an attack on US Sailing?
Mike
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#245871 - 03/21/12 02:42 AM
Re: Why are F-18's so expensive?
[Re: F-18 5150]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 01/27/05
Posts: 5272
Loc: Sebring, Florida.
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This whole thread reminds me of that old joke:
Why are Divorces so Expensive??
Because...they are WORTH IT!
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Blade F16
#777
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#245880 - 03/21/12 06:14 AM
Re: Why are F-18's so expensive?
[Re: pgp]
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old hand
Registered: 06/30/01
Posts: 1014
Loc: Australia
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Indeed it's about the price of F18s. So why the issue of weight and stiffness?
Because, both weight and stiffness are major factors in determining the cost of the boat!!! Just as foil length and aspect ratio are major factors in cost. if we were still using 2.5ft long boards made of foam and glass then the boats would be cheaper, but we now have 7ft boards made only from high modulus carbon, so they cost a lot more. I don't think its possible to make it any easier for you to grasp the concept, so if you still don't get it, I'm sorry, but thats as simple as the issue gets!
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#245881 - 03/21/12 09:58 AM
Re: Why are F-18's so expensive?
[Re: F-18 5150]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 01/29/09
Posts: 5047
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You're operating within a market. The only thing you know for certain about a market is that it will fluctuate! Recent history shows us a collapse of the housing market, and a lesser collapse with cars. Do you think the F18 market is immune?
Keep focusing on cost, without regard to price, and the market will test that theory.
When was the last time there was a retreat in F18 sales? You've had one or two posters in this thread point out that margins are sharply down! So, go ahead, continue focusing on cost. Price will take care of itself.
_________________________
Pete Pollard
Blade 702
'When you have a lot of things to do, it's best to get your nap out of the way first.
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