The F16s are a lot lighter, that's all I know for sure. I've sailed against Bob Curry on his 17 and of course he won by a mile!

The 17 is fuller in the bows than the Blade. IMO it should be able to handle heavy air a little better. This comparison is probably not true of the Viper or Matt McDoalds's new boat.

In the end, performance is similar, results depend on the driver.

Pete Pollard
Blade 702

'When you have a lot of things to do, it's best to get your nap out of the way first.