Ok, I'm one of the new Vipers that Tshan talked about...

I've put the money down and it's going to get here eventually.

I don't know when I'm going to be able to pick it up in FL. but I was hoping I could do the pick up sometime around the F16 invitationals at GYC. Maybe? I've raced before, but this is my first spin boat, so I would have to take it easy for sure.

Anyway, I thought I would let you guys know.


Tikipete already gave me a couple of tips.

If there are anymore, please let me know.

Mike

I thought the GYC invitaional wasn't for many months from now? If it's coming in sooner than that, you should at least try to be there when there is a fleet race so you can race it once with the seller, so he can give you some help and show you how to set it up right, and take it apart right. Congrats! When -approximately- do you think you might pick it up?

Isn't it usually in March?

My plan was to go down there, put it together(hulls and everything just so I'll know how to do it and get more familiar with the boat), give me a ride to show me stuff and maybe learn a couple of things and then take it over to GYC to race it.

I believe Tshan did that the first year he got his blade.

I'm not in any hurry right now since it's a little late in the year(a little chilly this time of year in Memphis TN and the Corps lets a lot of water out of the lakes) and I'm generally busy this time of year with my dog doing a little bird hunting. I have to keep her satisfied or she'll drive me nuts wanting to go. I do that during the winter months to keep my time occupied outside instead of inside gaining some of those "winter" pounds.

I would rather pick it up when I would have more opportunities to sail it consecutively instead of a day here and then can't go for another month because of the weather.

It might seem a little weird that I ordered it and then going to wait a couple of months, but the exchange rate was really good, so I went for it.

Mike

Hey Mike - I've been hording some Viper pictures over the last year or so (sme samples below). I'll zip them up and email them to you, so that it will tide you over during the cold winter.

2 F16s in Chattanooga, TN and 2 (potentially) more in Memphis, TN makes for a nice little Fleet in Northern Al and Southern TN. We'll have to get together for some tuning and play weekends. I know the perfect place

It is becoming harder and harder to be boatless.

Did I understand, correctly, you've sold your Blade? If so what are you sailing?

He isn't sailing anything at this point.

He's going F16, so don't worry.

Mike

Nice pics BTW.


Mike

It was picked up last Sunday by its new owner. It hasn't been gone long.

Hey Mike, you might want top check out this site here
http://boatsbikesboards.wordpress.com/

there's a lot of consolidation of tuning information for the Viper after hours and hours of 2 boat testing.

there is currently around 10 vipers at our sailing club and we love the boat. it's a really finely balanced machine and even millimetre adjustments on the wire tension etc makes tons of difference on the performance of the boat.

I'm having trouble finding the tuning information. Could you copy and paste it here or attach a document? Thanks.

Are you getting a Viper?
Any chance I could get you to explain why you got rid of the N17?

go here....

http://boatsbikesboards.wordpress.com/2008/

It's in different posts. Basically, look for any of the pics with boats in it. It's a blog, so you have to go through other posts to see the info you want.


However, you can probably look at the Capricorn tuning manual?

http://www.ahpc.com.au/B_TechnicalSupport.htm

At least get an idea anyway, since the Viper is basically the same boat with two feet cut off of it.


Mike

From what I have heard we will be lucky to have the new Vipers in by Christmas. I think that there are at least four coming in. Any thoughts on favorite warm clothing for a newbie in the gulf not wanting to wait till spring?

I'm going to answer this one the best I can.

What part of the Gulf? If you are in the panhandle of Florida, you MIGHT get away with a wetsuit and a spry top on the warmest days. If you are further down, say St. Pete or so, probably just a shorty wetsuit.

It's way to cold here where I'm at during that time of year AND the Corps of Engineers lets a lot of water out of the lakes, so I won't be doing any sailing until March at the earliest, and that's being optimistic.

I'm sure someone will be able to answer better than I though.


Mike

I live in the panhandle, Pensacola. Specifically Iwas wondering bout the new zhink layering stuff vs. shorty wet suit. Also on this site they sell Gill pants that looked like they might handle the cold. I wondered if anyone had favorites. I'm going nuts waiting on the boat and trying to fine where I can get geared up to cold days so I'm ready to go as soon as the boats arrive. Gill, zhik, any other companies with good gear?

Kokatat