I recently sailed (August 01) the FX 0ne in Brest, France (Brittany) in the open ocean force 2 building to 4 with 1 meter tight chop. It was configured with 2 trapeze and a standard spinnaker. Our combined weight was 170 kilos. <br> <br>To answer a question...The boat does perform better than a Hobie 17. Is that however, the approx. 12,000USD question? <br> <br>Given the wide range of choices now emerging on the market, I would not settle for the mediocre acceleration, and dramaticly unsmooth way in which this craft slammed over (on top of) and not through the waves it has been touted to 'pierce.' -regardless of our attempts to stay firmly footed forward. What does look aesthtically pleasing to the eye about its avant garde hulls and shiny new finish is absolutely nullified in performance by its 'oyster barge' weight. In addition, although we didn't flip her, I would estimate that you would have as much luck righting her as with a Hobie Miracle 20 -singlehanded. (BTW, I too saw the FX one over in Texel 2001 and watched it blown to the beach as its rather study sailor struggled to not make the Texel 2001 video). <br> <br> I was actually hoping to report that Hobie had a winner after spending many happy years on a H16 and Miracle 20, however I would emphatically recommend that you SAIL several of the F16 offerings ( configurable to suit your moods: single or double handed with or without jib/spinakker and reportedly going to be raced in F16 sponsored regattas in both singlehanded and crewed config...still being discussed) in varying sea states and wind conditions. Then carefully note your personal reactions versus the hype --which will inevitably come as the FX one makes it way into the frontal lobe of your local dealor. <br> <br>Furthermore, I would recommend that you evaluate the farsighted comments made regarding a closely related issue in a post on this (new)forum begun by Mark Schneider entitled: "F16 versus F18 market appeal" and factually answered using the FX One as a real world example, by Wouter. <br> <br>(mark schneider) <br>I just read about the development of the F16 rule and it appears that one of their goals is to have the boat rate the same as the formula 18 class (quite possible since these builders are knocking 150 lbs off of the boat?) <br> <br>My question and concern is ... Are the *US builders and dealers jumping on the F18 bandwagon in the US .. 8 years too late!! Will they be selling a boat which will have little appeal to the sailing public in a few years (see history of all other 18 foot boats since H/P 18's) . What is the marketing strategy for selling a 400 lb boat (F18) to the public versus a 250 lbs or so F16. If the boats will compete boat for boat on the water.... This would seem to be a no brainer... <br> <br>(BTW I just finished racing the Bim F16 at the catfight and had a blast on this little boat. I really enjoyed being able to move the boat around and really hated helping to move the 400 lb boats though that soft sand.) <br> <br>Perhaps the US Market should skip the F18 generation of boats and pick up on the F16 to serve the demand for a performance boat in the 16 to 18 foot market! <br> <br>(Wouter) <br>…..I think that the A-cat class might well be better of at 16 foot now that its weight has dropped of from way above 100 kg many years ago to 75 kg now. The boat may not need the full length anymore for it's crosssection is already very small and it's length might now only create more unneeded wetted surface area. May this is just why the flyer A-cat is so succesful ? its strange bow is effectively shortening it's waterline length. This is just a theory I'm working on right now , but it seems to fit the facts the best. and it would explain why the heavy boats like the FX-one and Fox aren't capable of forfilling their intended advantage over the I-20's and such….. <br> <br>If you have any additional questions feel free to email me, I even have 3 nice pictures of the FX one we sailed that day. <br> <br>Good Luck! <br> <br>Best, <br>David <br><br>
