Wouter.... Forget the F16. I am not discussing a particular boat here but general boat preperation be it an F16, F18 or a Hobie 16.

I am expressing the importance in a very competitive fleet off maintaining target boat and crew weight plus boat reliability (ie everything from sheets, lines, pullies and systems).

It is very important (in a competitive fleet) and to dismiss this is leading those who come here to learn something 'up the garden path'. Perhaps you should engage in competitive racing and learn the importance off this.

As for flexing..... Where the @#$% did that come from. I never mentioned the flexing issue here however platform stiffness is also very important and doing everything you can to ensure the platform you are racing is as stiff as possible is also and important factor.

By the way, a heavy boat will always flex more than a light boat. You are an engineer, so I am sure I dodn't have to explain it to you.