Bill,




Not much really. The Taipan is actually the design the F16 class was largely modelled after.

The posts make good points. When you get back into sailing it is always a good idea to start cheap and sail for a while to see if the bug really gets you. If it does then that is the time to start looking for more modern sailing boats. Aferall there is always the chance that the bug doesn't get you and you get out of sailing again, preferably without losing too much money doing so.

F16's are good boats for people who has have done a bit of catamaran sailing already. They are afterall race boats. This doesn't mean that are particular difficult to sail but it does mean you have got to have your act together.

>>>What can you tell me about the H17?

Not too much really. I sailed the boat a few times, but that was after having sailed boats like the Hobie FX-one and Tiger, also after I sailed the Taipan. It would probably have been better if I had sailed the H17 before I sailed any of the others.

The H17 I sailed was relatively fast going upwind, I did win one little race with it. But I had no love for the fittings or the extremely low boom. I think it is a typical design of the 80's. A decent boat to be had for a modest to cheap second hand price.

I will end this post but echoing what others have been saying as well. There are more then enough skippers looking for crews. You could do alot worse then finding yourself a nice skipper with boat and sail with him for a year. Also, if you really want to own a boat yourself then test sail all the boats you can and then decide which to buy. Personal preference is indeed an important factor.

Wouter