How does one get their boat measured?
You make arrangements with the measuerer in your area, go to
http://www.naf18.com -> Measurement to see a list of the willing. If you would like Karl I can knock out all the boats in the compound at GYC this weekend, I'll be there measuring F16's anyway. Yes, measuring F16's!
Is there a cost to get a boat measured? If so, where does that money go and what is it used for?
There is, and you can get the cost info at
http://www.naf18.com -> Measurement, I'm working with the chief measurer to see if we have any wiggle room with the cost. At a minimum we must cover the costs of the stickers. A small piece of the fee goes to the measurer and the rest goes to the class. This money is then used for things like shipping scales and stickers. Keep in mind almost all your membership fee goes straight to the International class every year.
Why get my boat measured? It's a stock boat with stock sails and unless it's required at regattas (which at this time, it is not, at least here in the states), why do it?
The last question was rhetorical.
Although rhetorical still a very valid question. Measuring the boats isn't going to uncover a watershed of boats that are out of spec, but as you know sails can vary and as people begin to embrace the options formula brings (after market boards) it will become even more critical that we have equipment measured. I think it’s to our benefit to plan for this eventuality as opposed to reacting to it.
You also have a good point about none of our current regatta’s requiring a measurement cert. I’d like to see all national championships require measure certs as a standard starting at Racine Aug. 2010. Then I’d like to see the regional championships require measurement certs in a phased in approach. Also keep in mind the current prescription addressing measurements certs is only valid for AHPC boats. None of the other manufactures complied with the prescription, so right now not having a measurement cert at a US championship could cause you problems if you’re not on an AHPC boat.
And finally why do it? First and foremost it’s a CLASS RULE! Secondly we have a real shot at getting F18 Worlds in 2012 which is in my mind right around the corner, and to not have embraced measurement certification by then just makes the class a bit bush league in my opinion.
I see the argument for measurement and agree that it will be needed as the fleet grows, but am playing devils advocate here. If we start measuring boats, how will unmeasured boats be handled when they show up to regattas? I don't think we're at a point yet where we can tell folks that they can't come out and play.
For a national championship, the requirement will be clearly spelled out. Also measurement at the event could be arranged by appointment. This will help us determine the demand and manpower required. For something like a regional championship, this would be a phased approach. By now everyone that attends the Southern Area Championship knows and expects their boat to be weighed every time (yes there is always a bit of whining) but it's now routine, eventually the measurement cert requirement will be just as routine.
Regards,
David Ingram
NAF18 Chairman
