I am looking at buying a singlehanded spin boat in a few months. I have sailed the I17R and loved it but I am also looking at the FX one. I've seen all the previous posts regarding the FXone. Has anyone actually taken delivery of one? Anyone else in So Cal looking at either of these boats? Thanks for any info.

Hi Scott - Where are you based out of? Here in San Diego we have around a dozen Inter 20's, and also have an I18 and an I17R. I have sailed the I17R and it is nearly identical to the I20 in all respects of handling, quality of workmanship, and user-friendliness. I am sure you would be very happy with it.



I have not sailed either the FX-One or the Fox, however I have seen the Fox. While it has many good qualities, it did not appear to have the same quality of construction or user-friendliness as the I20/I17R. For example, the jib cleats adjustment did not look very solid/subject to slippage, and the rudder setup wasn't as clean. I would highly suggest that you get a test-sail for a couple of hours on the FX-One as well as the I17R before making your decision, so that you can get a good comparison between the two.



There are about 4 Foxes up in L.A., but I believe that's all in SoCal (there are none in San Diego to my knowledge).



Sail fast and have fun,

Alan Thompson

I20 - San Diego

Hey Alan, It's me Scott Tuttle from MBYC. I haven't been there in a while, other stuff going on. I had a chance to sail the demo I17R that was at the club a couple of years ago. had a great time on it. I'm waiting to see if the FXone sells here. I know there has never been a big market for singlehanded cats here. Hey if I do get the Inter, Tom and I could just match race every regatta.

I'm going to the Opening Day ceremony this weekend. Maybe see you there.

Well, you have a choice of great boats. So you have a happy problem on your hands.



I have a I-17 normal. This has been the 2nd season with this boat for me. I still has a Hobie 33 that I am converting to as fast cruiser (..I got tired of breast feeding crew,..you know!)



Usually, if a boat is 'not good',..owners will dump after 1 year. Well look for yourself, do you see any I-17's for sale anywhere? You can find I-20's, I-18's, Foxes( going 1/3rd the price of new after 1 year???),....so what do you think?



I always intended to move up to the spin package after a season or 2,...but there is no rush,...it is always there when you want it,......and I am having too much fun as the rig is (...how many racers can say that??)



Once you start sailing the model uni rigs, ( A-Cat, I-17, Fx-1, Tiapan 4.9),....you do not go back.....really.



So, enjoy your choice,....each one has it's special features,....pick the one you like!



Bruce

I-17 normal #50

St. Croix, Virgin Islands



ps..tradewinds are always 15-20 here, seas 2-3,...the boat just rockets, full throttle, all the time!

Hi



Steve Belevia on Long Island and Jim Glanden in Deleware have taken delivery (I think) on FX 1. I am sure they could fill you in after they get a few days sailing.



Good luck.... I must say.. its quite a challenge to sail down wind at 18 knots, find the leward gate, navigate through traffic AND keep the pointy end up.... I was only partially succesfull on that aspect on the Bim 16.



But it was FUN!!!!



Take Care

Mark

Hi Scott! I was wondering where you had gotten off to!



I'm sure Tom would enjoy having another boat to race against. I've sailed solo against him a couple of times, and the 2 boats are pretty close in speed. Also, I think Tom is planning on sailing his boat to Catalina on one of the trips this summer....Are you interested in making one of the trips? The one in March was a real blast, with about 10 boats making the crossing. The next is May 31-June 2, and should also be quite big as 2 cat sailors are getting married on the island that weekend. If you haven't seen it yet, you might want to check out http://www.whitecaps.net for more Catalina info. Also, there is a new discussion group dedicated to Catalina at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cats2Cat/ (including archives of past items).



I am thinking I would try to make Opening Day if I can. Keep an eye open for me.



All for now,

Alan

I've sailed the named boats myself and I would like to stress that you really should try all available singlehanders with spi.



Your options as far as I can tell are



Inter17 R

Hobie FX-one

Taipan 4.9 spi

Stealth F16



A-cat = non-spi but worth considering anyway. Great boat / great class.



There is one actually Stealth F16 going to So Cal. So this design may not be so exotic as some like to point out; well at least not more exotic than the FX-one in your parts. Donno about the I-17R.



Anyways what I want to express is try any of these boats if you can and make your choice then. That is all !



Why ? you might think, well because the other three who did sail the boats in question, ended up with a F16 HP (1 Taipan and 2 Stealths). And I'm not even counting the guys like Michael who only sailed the Taipan and not the others. So letting sailor try and compare the boats is our strongpoint.



Ohh BTW, there are some reports of test sails with FX-one to F16 comparison on our forum by other guys looking to buy such a boat. They are really and totally independent of the class, because they are trully outsiders



I will give you the link :



Huw testing the FX-one, Spitfire and Stealth



But, like I said, don't take my word for it and try all boats anyway !



Mind you we do have a good class organisation with support going; check out our forum and the discussings that are featured there.



www.geocities.com/F16HPclass/ [/url]





Regards and may you be happy with whatever you choose,



Wouter

http://www.catsailor.com/forums/sho...ew=expanded&sb=5&o=14&fpart=