This is great news for the F-16HP class. Bimare will produce AFFORDABLE, well built Jav 16s just like their great Jav2 18footer.



The T 4.9 cost as much as a Bimare Javelin 2 and maybe more after adding a chute, so the Bimare Javelin 16 (BIM 16)should be a bargain! Maurizio pointed out that the boat would be sold at 30% less than the F-18s. The Taipan 4.9 with spin cost about the same as a F-18, so the new BIM 16 should cost less than the T 4.9. This is very significant and should help the F-16HP class grow much faster.



As far as the 9m mast, I am sure that Bimare has spent a great deal of time and money developing this new F-16HP (they announced it in July of this year) with a 9m mast. My point is, they have built their boat to work with a 9m mast and now the F-16HP guys are considering lowering the max mast height for their class. This seems to be very convienient for the T 4.9 owners in the class! Don't change the rules, after a new boat has been developed under the old one!!!!!!!!!!! This will stiffle the classes' progress.



Another point to consider is that with Bimare's success with the F-18HT class, they could start their own class and outnumber the current USA F-16HP class very quickly, if their design were outlawed. This is a reasonable assumption, based on their growth in the F-18HT class. I think that this consideration should be reviewed by the F-16HP class with high priority.



I look forward to more information on Bimare's 16, as my son is looking for a new boat, after we recently had a bad experience with a Austrailian Flyer A-Cat. This Javelin 16 should fit the bill perfectly and affordably.



Steve Jones