@ Wooter

You are the veritable cataloger of boat specs. But I am wondering, if sailor weights in Singapore are "typically light" are those of NW Europe, ah, typically heavy? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

@ Ducati

Thanks for explanation on beam. You mention that you are looking out for "speed robbers" and that makes a good point on boat selection --

Whatever drives a buyer is what they decide is the most important aspect of any boat. For HP boats, of course, the consideration is speed and the primary issue is whatever robs the speed. Whatever it takes to trim and go faster.

"Search" forum feature is our friend. I have spent time reading:

Trouble in Paradise

F16 Future

What's the skinny on the FX One

Goes to prove, I believe, that there really are never new questions or answers... probably.

Which leads to another part of the point: One other aspect of the selection process is how boats address tweaking up and, as well, "tweaking down".

The F16 is an interesting boat in that respect. As Wouter and Ducati and the new formula 16 brochure address, it has innovations.

But, also it is solving a few "tweaking down" problems: one-up or two-up sailing, less pitch-prone bow design, lightness.

The list for me has always been:

Manageable size and weight, solo or two-up capability, average durability, mast raising that doesn't require a crane.

F16 hull durability issues I consider somewhat spooky. I note this comment on another thread from Buccaneer on bringing a boat to shore:



Practical, but implies a huge assumption. That assumption is that these boats are deep water boats. You don't worry about hull damage where there is deep water. If you are in tidal waters or where rocks and underwater features are a risk, then you may want another boat altogether.

Although, it looks like Will now has part of a compromise.