I haven't read the class rules, so I guess I'll just ask. Somebody said that we might have trouble managing the boat when the wind picks up (f18). Are there rules regulating mechanical advantage/is that something I would want to do.
All formula classes (F20, F18, F16, A-cats, and also the Tornado's can be included in this) allow alot of freedom to adjust the boat to you body strength and sailing style. Think of Formula rules as being nothing more than a rough framework that limits the major dimensions of a boat. It often doesn't not rule at all on smaller things or details. So everything is allowed as long as you don't breach any major limits on hulls length, sailarea and weight.
If anybody commented on a F18 being "troublesome to manage when the wind picks up" than I think he is refering to the control and experience that is required to channel the power into speed by the proper lanes. It may become daunting when this is not done right. It can feel like there is alot of Horsepower under that gas pedal.
Personally I think highly of both the F18 class and F16 class. But I'm very active in the F16 class, just that you know.
If you are strapped for money that a revamping a second hand nacra 5.2 of 5.5 would be my first advice. Otherwise the others will give you alot of bang for the buck.
Choice between F18 and F16 I would place on your intended way of sailing and even your personal sailing style.
Getting an secondhand F16 will be very difficult, All the sailors that have them, hang on to them. Only option here is buying new. A real pitty but that is just the way it is.
Personally I sailed both and found that the F16 suits my way of sailing better. I liked sailing F18's but I personally like my F16 better. I just like the really lively feel of it and the way that its design uses soft power. It doesn't attain speed through alot of canvas. It reaches the same speeds as an F18 by minimizing overall drag for a medium sized saildrive. It is a different way of sailing that you might have to get used too. You won't do well by just powering the thing up. You will have to find ways into special low drag high speed lanes by finding the right trim and sail settings and keeping the boat there. I personally really like this way of sailing adn I really like the way she feels under sail. A friend described it like this :"The boat is talking to you" and to that I mostly agree.
Anyway, best of luck with whichever boat you decide upon
Wouter
