I have finally found a carbon A class mast for my taipans redevelopment.
I was intending to simply widen the boat to an F16 width and go from there.
I am also intending to sail as a super sloop as there is no F16 here.
So I thought maybe wings would get me a little drier and give me height from the chop.
I know this is not strictly an F16 question but who else is going to know better than you guys?
Does anyone have photos of something like I am talking about so I can have a sensible conversation with an engineer so I don't waste his time or destroy the boat?
Also, if this idea is stupid don't hold back.
Many thanks.

I sailed a H17 and TheMightyHobie18 magnum. If you can live without the wings, do it. They are more windage, maintenance, and initial expense.

Having said that, they do serve one purpose. When my best bud and I wanted to float around and drink beer all day, his girlfriend would sleep on the wing. They are very useful in that regard.

In light air they are a PITA! On both my boats, they were attached right where I needed to be, making helming cramped and uncomfortable.

Try the Hobie site for pix.

Regards.

Lester,

I would not recommend wings if you are trying to race within the F16 rules because the wings would need to be calculated in the max beam requirement. Buy making you boat narrower to allow for wings you will move the leeward bow closer to the mast leaving you with less righting moment against the force of the sails.

Plus, when the wind is strong enough to be out on the wings you could also trap or fly a hull well above the water.

If you do decide you don’t want to be within the f16 box rule for racing you have some options. If the purpose of the wings are for performance you could design a Euro-type wings, that have less windage, but get your trapped weight out further.

See:

http://www.hobiecat.com/media/pdf/euro_wings.pdf#search='hobie%20euro%20wings'

Might make a good backrest as well.

I could be wrong, but I think that the Hobe style wings are a safety issue as they make righting the boat harder.

Matt