Stephen,
There is a core of truth to your comments especially when looking at the Taipans, but other factors and other designs have reversed the trend. Although, the weight analysis by Elliot Tonkes still doesn't support any claims of superior crew weights below 135 kg. That is what statics tell us when taking into account a good number of race results.
Also I do agree that the Taipan hulls do get pressed in too far at a certain crew weight. I'm suprised at how much speed can still be coached out of them but it does get harder. The newer hulls are simply alot more bouyant and are also alot less sensitive to crew weight. But one of the biggest factors I found was that truly lightweight crews start lacking body power to really stamp the boat on its tail so to say. Crews that are bit more beefy tend to cover this aspect better and sufficiently so to be more performant overall. Truly 135-140 kg is where it is at, I'm really not pulling your leg here.
With respect to the Viper, I think AHPC will eventually have to lower its weight if it wants to make a play at getting the serious crews to buy Vipers instead of only the serious recreational racers and sailors.
It is no secret that I have now got my boat on the market and plan to get an F16. The Blade looks good, the Viper would be tempting if it was lighter, however it looks like I may pick up a 4.9 and have a tinker with it.
That is mighty big of you to not have let my abuse sour you on the F16 idea. Having a modified Taipan myself I feel that "tinkering" about with a Taipan may not be a bad idea. Just stay below 145 kg combined if you really want to race it competitively. Go for the modern hullshapes if you are above that. If you are mostly looking at singlehanding then the Taipan is a very good F16 performer below 10 knots of wind, especially in the really light winds. If you regulary get more or get serious chop then the modern hullshapes will allow you the trapeze under spinnaker and bring a bigger smile to your face. The Aussie Blade is right on the mark in the way of hull design. That is my experience so far.
Welcome to the club and please accept my appologies for all the times I did you wrong. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Wouter
