New to the forum - starting to consider purchase of an F16 and sailing around NC, SC, N.Fl. I'd want to keep my initial purchase cost below $8000 with trailer. I like the sounds of the Blade, and also the Taipan. I'd like to hear some opinions from the group about which boats are best, etc. Also, what is the participation level in SE States?

Thanks,
Tom Hall

I don't have a boat YET, but I can probably answer a couple of questions from just reading and sending PM's to people.

All of the boats perform about the same. The Taipans have a tendancy to have a really good life span of competitiveness. 10 year old boats that will win National titles and still beating the newer and more buoyant boats like the Blades. Blades are a newer boat with a little more buoyancy as previously mentioned and a few upgrades. You can do a search here... http://www.catsailor.com/forums/search.php?Cat=0 to get a little more information.

The F16 fleet seems to be building, there are 2 or 3 out of the Chattanooga area, one in Birmingham Alabama, I believe a couple in the North and South Carolina area, one in Little Rock Arkansas, and if everything goes according to plan, I will be one in Memphis TN in the spring. I'm looking to get a new Viper, again if everything goes according to my plans.

8,000 sounds doable, but I would think closer to 8 rather than below eight. That would be more likely some of the Taipans out there right now for sale like here...
http://www.catsailor.com/cs_classifieds.html Rick has one for sale still at the bottom of the Classifieds for about 8500 or 9000, can't really remember, but that wouldn't be too far off of your price range.

I'm looking at new, just because. No really good reasons to be honest. I'll be the guy with the new boat and bringing up the rear.

Mike

I've sailed my Taipan for 5 years and just sailed a Blade at Lake Tahoe over the weekend. I've also sailed the Stealth and corresponded with AHPC about the Viper. I'll send you my cell # and you can call me for my analysis.

Eric,

I would also like to hear what you think. Should be OK if done with neutral language.

We are one of the Chattanooga Blades and would love to have another in the area to sail with. I don't know if Neville still has his for sale. (He is in SC) What I have seen of the other F16's they all are very close in comparison. I have sailed against the Viper and Taipan and will sail against the Stealth this weekend. Check your PM I'll send a phone # for you.

I'm also new and wanting to buy a f16. I'm in New Orleans. I'd really like to read any comments you can post.

Andre,

There are many [previous] post highlighting the pros / cons of the f16 platform. Try a search on this site ... if you have problems [or questions] weigh in here or give me a PM and I'll help you with questions or find the right threads.

Terry