I don't think so. I talked with Greg about this new AHPC F16 design ever since 3 years back while F104 was only formally launched in april 2007. And Greg mentioned time and time again since the start of the F16 class in 2001 that they would do a F16 if the class picked up and the Taipan wasn't the fastest installment into the class anymore. Looking back now, that is exactly what he did.

Besides, if he had known before hand (and wanted the Viper to be a F104) then he would have maximized it under the F104 dimensions. There is no point in making a 135 kg 16 footer when you can make a 135 kg 18 footer. Customers won't buy a 16 footer when the in-class competition puts out 17 and 18 footers, even if it is faster. Its a perception thing.

Besides the Viper is slated to be 125 kg, which is below the F104 minimum weight of 135 kg, and at that weight it is faster then the SCHRS handicap of 1.04 as well. Breaking the class rules on these two points already is not a good way to introduce a F104 boat.

No, that Viper is an F16, pure and simple; albeit a slightly obese one.

Wouter