Anyone done it?

We're looking at the F16 as our next ride. Seems like a good fit for our crew weight of around 285 lbs. One of the things that we would like to do includes planning and participating in a distance race in Lake Michigan (four or five days, 250-300 miles). What do you think?

Should we pick up a F18 until after we finish that event, or could an F16 finish a distance race on the big lake?

Do noty see why not. I've done single day 60 milers on mine single handed!

When the Stealth R (Slightly smaller than a full on F16) was first produced it won the UK Catamaran Racing Associations Long Distance series. I think that included five long distance races and completed against F18's, 20's and Tornado's. I've competed in the 50 mile North Wales Raid , 80 mile Fast Cat Round the Isle of Weight Race and 50 mile Carnac Raid and won the shorter 25 mile Gower Challenge last year beating an F20 by 96 secs on corrected time.
From a personal point of view the only difference in dong this type of racing in a F16 compared to bigger Cats is that you have to concentrate that bit harder and it's probably slightly more of a physical challenge as well. A part from that it is very doable and very rewarding.

BTW- Dan and I are about 385lbs. We felt it in the light stuff......

At your weight you are really really really on the upper end of the weight band. IMO the Viper is the only F16 with enough volume for two guys at over 14 stone a piece, F18 territory I'm afraid but the downside is pushing it around the beach before and after.

In some of that wind, I wish I'd had another -stone- or two on board! There were some F18's out on the course, they were loving it! The A cat guys? Some stayed on the beach when it was really blowing, a few were out in it though.

OOPS! I meant 285, not 385! (I've corrected the first post)

Humm, that changes the situation quite a bit.

385 lbs (175 kg) down to 285 lbs (130 kg)

At that lower combined crew weight the F16's are the obvious better choice. Personally, I agree with the others. Long distance racing with F16's is very doable and many of us have done so in the past. For very long stretches or multiple consequetive days of distance racing I personally advice one of the newest F16 models. These are a little easier to drive hard for long periods of time; less demanding on your concentration. I'm referring to the Aussie Blade F16, The Falcon F16, Stealth F16 + T-foils or the Viper F16.

I hope this helps.

Wouter