Hi all,

I've been looking for a used F16 for a while now, something to replace my aging Nacra 5.2. There is not a lot of F16 on the market in the UK: I've never seen a taipan, blades have been imported only recently, so the only model somewhat available is the stealth.

I found an old Stealth for sale, from 2001. I haven't seen it yet, but it's a pre-f16 (canoe bows, narrow beams, canted hulls) with some upgrades (winglets!). The question is: how do you assess the value of this thing? I believe the seller is pricing it too high for a 2001 boat, but then what do I know. Price include trailers, so mmm, what's the value of a used trailer?

I've been trying to find out for how much those boats have been going for and I found the following *asking* prices (prices are in £), I'm not sure the boats went for that price:

in 2004 a 2000 Stealth R: 4250, with trailer.
in 2004 a 2002 Stealth: 5500 with self tacking jib, cover and trolley
in 2007 a 2006 Stealth F16: 6250 Double handed, tricked out with trailers

But I can't find any datapoint for a 7yo Stealth anywhere. I've looked at F18 to get an idea about depreciation there, and a 7yo F18 is around 3500, a little more if it's been kept up to date.

Anybody willing to help set a value on used boats? How much did you pay for your used F16? How much do you value your boat? I'm just trying to figure out what a fair price could be.

Also is there anybody who could explain how the Stealth evolved over time? Apparently early days stealth were narrower and lighter, at some point hulls became canted and the bow changed... Daggerboard also changed, become longer and narrower. Some tumultuous history there. Anybody knows a bit about the evolution of the stealth over time?

Thanks for your insight.

Pepin,

A good rule of thumb used by cat dealors is :

Deduct 15% of new price for the first year
Deduct 10% of new price for each additional year of age.
Stop deducting when the boat is at 15% of new price; then the price is totally determined by how well it has been maintained (5-20% price range).

These are base prices and depending on condition or upgrades you should butt or subtract from this base price.

A trailor is pretty valuable and it is not uncommon for aging boats to see the trailer be just as valuable as the boat itself. This can indeed raise the realistic price quote of the combo considerably. Typically a good trailer can bring in 750 pounds when I look at prices paid overhere in Euro's.

Ask the UK sailors for the History of the Stealth design in detail. Or simply call John Pierce of Stealth Marine and just ask him.

Wouter

Pepin, its interesting that a few years ago you could get a 3 year old Stealth for about £ 3500.00, a similar FX1 about £ 5000.00 now its the other way around. I guess FX1's are no longer the bees knees.

I believe a Stealth R has just found a new home at Datchet, older shape, 2 mains ( the R had a smaller main, larger jib )trailer and spin in very very nice condition. perhaps talk to the owner he may well know of others about and maybe willing to divulge the price he paid.

Things to look for are few really. The later the boat the better the build and fitting out quality, things like better travellors, self tacking jibs, wider beams. Talk to JP he is honest as they come and will guide / give advice pretty readily without too much bias. Dave Tugwell also is pretty good sage on the Stealths.

If it means paying more for a F16 version, ie wider beams, bigger main, then you would have to say pay the extra as you will want that bigger main and wider boat even if it makes little sailing difference ( the first British nationals was one by MarkP on his 2001 boat, narrow beams but F16 main ) <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Just had a gust of 33 knots at my house so bit breezy here at the moment.

Hi Pepin
Early last year I sold my 2001 Stealth R for £4,000. It had been well looked after and the price didn't include a trailer. However, it had a good pedigree winning the F16 Nations Cup in 2006 (with a F16 mainsail which I now use on my new Stealth)
As for the Stealth R to Stealth F16 developments, there have been quite a few since 2001 and I wouldn't be sure of the exact dates but you have certainly already mentioned the main differences. But there have been some more subtle differences in regard too thicker wall thickness of the beams, wider beam seats, stiffer and maybe lighter carbon masts, fully laced tramps, lower bridle fixing points to hulls, carbon mast rotation arm and carbon spreaders to name but a few.
However, If I was you I would get as much as I could for the Nacra, sell one kidney and buy a new Stealth <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Stealth 505 is at Datchet and the owner has already pre-entered the Global Challenge.... When are you going to enter Wayne?
Seriously, it is a great help if prospective competitors would pre-enter as it makes for a better organised event without wasting resources and money.

Mark, having just completed and moved into a new house, helping manage / coaching the nippers rugby team, finally handed over the management of the motorcycle club, and a host of other day jobs, sailing has been pretty far down the pecking order. However do count me in, my intentions are to be there at the back of the fleet and most importantly keeping you propped up at the bar. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'm trying to think of a witty response but have failed. However, the best races always seem to be at the Bar.

This one has been barely sailed at all http://www.stealthmarine.info/index.htm
He has a Spitfire now. Owner had some issues with JP, but the boat is in good condition - it is the one English Dave talked about sailing on Yachts & Yachting forum. The price is negotiable.