Looking for opinions and experiences on sailing the Viper 1up when the wind gets up. . Currently sail a stock Taipan with a chute. I weigh about 160. From what I can see on the forum most seem to sail the viper with a crew.

thanks / Aidan

I'm about the same weight as you, and single-hand the boat a fair amount.

Its pretty much idiot proof when it comes to stuffing it. Even when turning down in high wind it won't burry itself to the point where you have to worry about pitching. I actually had it almost lift the rudders clear yet still keep on truckin' once. Scared me a bit, but just raised my confidence in the boat.

Other than that the only other major and noticeable difference is how it sits on the water. When I first got my first Viper I sailed it two up with a heavy crew. We were 385lbs together, so that may have skewed my perception a bit.

The downhaul being at the edges of the front beam can be a hassle singlehanded when you're sitting on the hull as well, but its a tradeoff as its much easier when on the wire than if it were on the mast.

(edit)- Goodall does sell a main that is cut flatter for singlehanded setups as well. I have one on order, but have not used one yet.

Also I used stainless riv-nuts to replace the rivets that were holding the jib traveller track to the front beam. I HATE having the track on there if I'm going to be solo, and it makes it pretty easy/quick to remove or attach the track.

If you don't want the expense of two mains, you can do some stiffer battens and more spreader rake. It will get you real close, but not as good as a singlehanded main.

Thanks for the responses. I will either be solo or sailing with my 11 yr old Son so would just go with the stock set up. I like the taipan as it is light and easy to handle and i was looking into upgrading the sailplan to F16 and adding a selftacker. Those thoughts just progressed to a viper naturally

I think Robbie was saying to run the stiffer battens up top all the time now. I've got a set, but haven't used them yet. One of those things where there behind a door and I keep forgetting to grab them.

If you like the lightweight of the Taipan, also have a look at the Falcon.

Gill

When faced with such a situation I would personally go with a custom 1-up sail that is cut a tad fuller (say for a heavy singlehanding person). I figure your 11year old doesn't weight very much so you won't be anywhere near 150 kg (330 lbs) and otherwise be depowering (the 2-up mainsail) nearly all the time.

After several years of your son gaining weight, you might just be in the market for a replacement sail anyway if you sail often during that time.

Wouter