Two bits of info were just received shortly after one another.
First an announcement made by Boyer Fibrecraft (Known for their involvement in the company AHPC)
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Hi all,
Just a quick note to confirm any rumors.
Boyer fibrecraft ceased manufacturing in Australia last friday. That does not mean I'm gone, just different. I'm still involved with the F18 and are still able to source parts. I doubt I will be sailing again for some time though, I just need to be away from that for a while.
So whats happened.
My foils have been taken over by one of my employees, and I can still supply these for you.
The tool A class hulls have been taken over by Mobile Fibreglass in Bendigo (another of my ex employees) These were not my moulds, Wayne Mercer owns them and you can contact him on 03 59 889 794 for further info.
I have not passed the Taipan moulds to anyone at the moment, though there are 3 businesses in Bendigo that are able to do the job. I will retain ownership of the moulds. I also have the older Taipan mould overseas, but that would require a large order to be economic. Gordon Barrett 9561 3335 can supply info on this.
My equipments has mostly being sold, and I've got a few spare A class, tornado and mosquito moulds for sale.
I have 2 new business ideas to follow, one is in the grey water industry- I'm hoping to have a spot on the new inventers in Feb, and the second is in the fibreglass/ boat building industry.
I will put more info on these on my website in January, in the mean time I'm having a bit of time off.
My phone number will remain as 03 5447 7700 and my email is now
boyerfib@aapt.net.au or from Jan 1
jim@boyer.com.auBest wishes to all.
Jim Boyer
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The second is the official name launch of AHPC's new 16 foot design; The Viper F16
When being developped some of us called this design the Baby Capricorn of Capricorn F16. However these names are not to be used anymore.
This boat is AHPC's replacement of the Taipan design for markets outside of Australia. However, the Viper will also be launched in the Australian market. I was under the impression that the Taipan would be continued alongside of the Viper but the above announcement by Jim Boyer makes this questionable.
The Viper F16 is AHPC's purpose build entry into the Formula 16 class and it is their full intention that it will become its new benchmark. One of the major improvements over its predessor is the price of a new boat; I've personally seen the intended European retail price for the Viper and it is no less then 20 % cheaper. And that is quite a sum.
With this new quote it enters a direct competition with the imported Blade F16 in the EU market.
It too feaures a wave-piercier hull design and will come fitted as a capable racer. It will have a fully redesigned mainsail, one that has been fully optimized to F16 specs. And it will feature things like a selftacking jib and high aspect daggerboards. It will be ready to meet both the F16 as F18 competition !
Wouter
