Still riding the last dinosaur?

Ok, it's getting closer to crunch time...Todd did it, now it looks like I need to do it...get a new boat. My passion is distance racing. I really only bouy race to keep my boat handling skills up. So, what are some of your thoughts on F18 vs F20C. I have the means to do either, so cost is not an issue. Those of you who don't know me, I weigh in any given year, 250 to 275 lbs. If I buckle down, maybe 240.

Hands down F20c. Much nicer boat to sail than an F18. Handles weight far better than an F18. Its no contest. Go for a sail.

A few observations:
- the gelcoat seems harder than Infusion gelcoat and it seems easier to keep clean and harder to scratch.
- I would say easier to sail as well. The wider beam helps to settle the boat down.
- I think the tilt trailer issue isn't that big a deal. I can supply some pics of the trailer I built with some measurements.
- The F18s will get upset when they see you disappear over the horizon.
- Someone was mentioning about having an F20c event in FL if we could round up some boats..I would be interested in that.
- Also being epoxy it will last longer.

No brainer F20c. If distance racing is your thing and running handicap doesn't bother you and you have the sticks, GET A LINE HONORS BOAT! A current F20c owner recently told me they can get to the beach and get laid before the rest of the fleet hits the beach. That alone would seal the deal for me.

Dude, you DON'T want to be running at 4 bills plus on an F18. It has to be nukin before that kind of weight pays off. So no on the F18, just no.

Had the pleasure to sail an F20c a couple times when I was Singapore over the winter, and even though it was light every time, the boat was truly awesome. If you have the means, and you want to distance race, there is no question!

If your running distance races, there is no substitute for water line length and sail area. With a money-no-object perspective bling on the beach baby.

If you are doing cans then even if you have the means, it is just cause you want it, the bang factor does not seem to be there. I ve seen some results (spring fever being 1 I can remember) where there were F16's beating the 20c boat for boat in races.


Over compensation can have its risks

I have a great regular crew (hard to find and keep one) that weighs around 140. I hope the shortcomings have been worked out in that boat. I do the GT300 every year and it's rarely a cake walk. I've seen it all but completely tear up two of them already. Hopefully Dave or Mike will chime in here.

Hey there Lee,

If moneys no object, I agree the F20C

For me however, the best performance for the buck was this Infusion I picked up. It wasn't cheap, but it's gonna go!

I was the Todd you were talking about, right?

And where is Hell is Jake regarding your 'signature'? :-)
It's OK to say that about a white man I guess, especially when he's a repub.

I'd say stay on the N20 or go N20C. F18 is a non starter for you. I've raced that boat heavy and it does not work.

I'm not sure how the N20C will go with that weight either. I would think light is fast on a boat that has to lift the weight out of the water.

I'm still on my N20 and still love the boat. I wouldn't buy a new one but like the one I'm on.

Todd, I forgot that was still on there. Lets not go there please. I didn't know you bought an Infusion. Congrats. I meant Todd Hart since he just sold his N20. I didn't mean to make it sound like money was no object, just wanted to point out it wasn't a deciding factor since I knew it would be brought up. BTW, you're plenty light for the F18. You going to bring it down for the GT next year?

You got Shaun's Infusion? Awesome. I guess I can take the ad down.

I don't think so... F16's and F20C were on different starts at SF.

Im torn here because i would love to own both boats. However, The F18 is definitely a different beast sailing at 400 instead of 330... But it doesn't take nuclear wind to take being competitive. I regularly sail at 390 and over 10 knots (used to be a bit more before long boards) we feel we are very competitive. I feel even more solid over 12. 7-10 I could live without but we can still usually hang. Id love to sail at less but im not changing my crew so it is what it is. For you Texas guys, I'm sure Tomko will tell you the same.
Lee, I know you're a big boy and I know exactly what your looking to do. The f20 would be the most fun ride. Yes you're on the very big side for an f18 but there is definitely something to being on a level playing field and being boat for boat with friends youve been racing against for years. That's why Tawd bought the f18... He can't wait to race against the guys he used to sail against on the 20. Ding is trying to talk you out of the 18 because he's scared of yet another boat beating him.
All that being said, the f20c would be a real fun ride, if that's what your looking for.

Nope....same start at SF. Not sure how the finishes shook out though. It would not surprise me an F16 got to the finish ahead of the F20, the wind was uber light and a couple of the races were crap-shoots.

Lee,

Dave and I have done the T500 and GT300 on 18HT, F18, N20, and F20c.

The F20c is my choice - period...

I know we chewed up the F20c's pretty good in the GT300 last year, but realistically I had 1st gen boards that weren't up to the task. That was the only let down. Boat #2 flipped in the surf and broke the mast - that happens to every boat. When I switched over to #2's boards, we couldn't break them, no matter how hard I pushed the boat.

You were there and sailed in those conditions. We were never concerned that we were not going to make it back to shore - well maybe when we were 25 miles offshore with a hull full of water...

Dave made the comment at some point - what are we going to do it this thing starts to sink on us? I replied - "well I always wanted to ride in a helicopter..."

But again - the F20c was the sweetest cat I've ever sailed, both inshore and offshore, bouys and distance.

I already miss that boat...

You're such a contrarian.

I'd have a go at you Ricky but you'd just get your feelings hurt and then I would feel bad, plus you have 5 days of pain coming. So you get a pass, how's that for a little love from grandpa Ding.

I say Multi23, it'll be a bitch to push through the surf, but you'll manage.

I'm surpised that no one has said yet, "If I had all of the money that I spent on boats, I'd buy a bigger boat".

That's sweet.Ding really does love you,Ricky.

Mike, Is the F20c gone all ready?

After all the money you just put into your boat are looking to sell it?

I will say going from the I20 to an F18 is a better fit for me as it is easier to sail singlehanded as you know how the wind can get where I sail.

Since I had no luck on a charter for 2012, I'm already making plans to bring it down to my Homeland for the GT300 2013- I hope all that falls into place.
I may have my little known, local Rock star crew I want from the area to geot on board with the program however. We'll see!

Lee,

No question F20C.

As soon as I can I'm going that way.

For distance racing, the F20C would be the ticket, ignoring cost.

I'm going the F18 route, settled on that a while ago, just working on the means. The N20 and F16 MIGHT be faster round the buoy course on light air sailing days in the Chesapeake, but that has yet to be fully proven as its been a long time since a competitive F18 has sailed with the fleet. A few other reasons to go F18 IMO:

1) Much larger nationwide fleet. Need a big fleet to grow sailing skills.
2) Original short-board boats will work fine on the Chesapeake. Breaking a F20C board while short gybing up the Eastern Shore doesn't sound appealing.
3) Large used market
4) Not tied to one manufacturer, one sail builder etc. Maybe lower overall running costs and slightly better quality (the F20C is a well built boat with great rig so not a big factor here).
5) The boats are competitive around a distance course, even if you are heavier, although not ideal.

For me, it comes down to options, and the F18 has the most options. If your #1 motivation is a straight line honors machine and cost isn't a concern, F20c or SeaCart 30.

Very much my reasoning for just having picked up an Infusion myself!!