Let me clearify my statement.

I meant to say that there is no reason to produce a 8.5 mtr tall carbon F16 mast from the 9.15 mtr long A-cat mast mould. You change the layup indeed and then cut off the bottom section to get it to be 8.5 mtr. If needed you could cut off section both from top and bottom as long as you have modified the layup.

I think the reason to go with the A-cat mast has far more to do with the fact that the Bim-16/javelin-16/X16 mast is actually an A-cat mast with an A-cat sail. Therefor marrying the inventory for these boats with the A-cat inventory. Same with the beams and rudders. Otherwise there will not be any cost savings.

But with that limitation the Bim-16/Jav-16/X16 is nothing more then a cheap A-cat where the hulls are shorter as well.

Personally I would rather have a cheap version A-cat then a 16 foot imitation that is neither an A-cat or an F16.

The thinking behind the bim-16/javelin-16/and X16 really baffles me.

Wouter