This F16 Blade is being built by skiff sailor Michael Boyd. Little by little the numbers keep growing.

Tim

Here a teaser picture of a Taipan F16 nearing completion in the Netherlands.

It going to retain its wooden colour and gloss. I'm trying to notch the builder to do a write-up on his project on this forum. But I just can't take the tension anymore and had to post these two teasers.





Wouter

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So it is official now ! I knew of mr Boyd interest but didn't hear the confirmation yet.

If we are not careful then the home-builded boats will outnumbers the factory builds !

Welcome and Good luck to Mr Boyd. I hope he will keep us updated on his progress over the coming months.

Wouter

Wooden mast too, huh... interesting shape...

That wooden look is superb! Great choice to keep it that way.

It's a shame the builder didn't incorporate the trampoline tracks into the hulls - it makes for a really clean look. I think that tramp will be a pain. Perhaps when he builds his next one.

I hope he did his research and incorporated the other changes to the original plans.

Rob.

>>It's a shame the builder didn't incorporate the trampoline tracks into the hulls

I adviced him of it but it was already to late. So he had to decide between the alu trampoline tracks (that he dislikes as it conflicts with the feel of the boat) or the used that is used. Also he wants to make himself al the part that he possibly can make himself. This trampoline setup allowed him to do that. He will even make his own sails. After taking a few measurements of the other F16 mains that are around here in NL.

Actually the bolts he used are 10 mm instead of 8 mm and the mainbeam is a Nacra F18 wingsection that I was able to lay my hands on for free. I think this tampoline setup will work fine. At least I never really had a problem with such a setup on other boats that had it.


>> it makes for a really clean look. I think that tramp will be a pain. Perhaps when he builds his next one.

I never found it to be a pain although I also prefer the integral tramp track.

Rumour has it that he wants to build a second one in time. He is the kind of guy that likes to build things maybe even more than using them. I think the Blade design is on top on his wish list for any "next project"


>>I hope he did his research and incorporated the other changes to the original plans.

Some he did, others he did not. But he stayed creative all through the project so the boat is somewhat different from the plans here and there when he felt that things could be done easier or more efficient.

I certainly hope he will make a write-up someday as it is generally a great story. But I won't give away any more now.

Wouter