The Taipan 4.9 is well-constructed high performance lightweight boat. I have had 2 x 4.9s, which were both second hand and now have a 5.7 with spinnaker, mainly because my son and I weight in at 175 kg.

We sail in Moreton Bay in Brisbane, Australia, often in 15+ knots and occasionally in over 20 knots and have been caught out there in a 30-knot front a few times. Two metres of stand up chop on the outgoing tide is common, turtles, large jelly fish, sharks and the odd dugong.

I have damaged two centreboards over the years on submerged rocks, my fault, no damage to casing. We use kick up rudders because of the jellyfish and the turtles.
No jellyfish this year yet, probably the drought.

I have also seen some spectacular collisions; let me tell you these boats are strong.

It is not a barge; one must remember to lift centreboards and rudders at the beach.

My first 4.9 was about 6 years old when I bought it and I raced it most weekends for 3 years.

Got side swiped by an out of control power boat, only three tiny marks in the gel coat, and it hit with a thud.

Don't run them up the beach and they will last for years.
The second hand boats really hold there value over here and that is a big plus as far as I am concerned.

don