Stephen,
The newer hulls are simply alot more bouyant and are also alot less sensitive to crew weight. But one of the biggest factors I found was that truly lightweight crews start lacking body power to really stamp the boat on its tail so to say. Crews that are bit more beefy tend to cover this aspect better and sufficiently so to be more performant overall. Truly 135-140 kg is where it is at, I'm really not pulling your leg here.
The new designs are more boyant as the Capricorn and Infusion are to the Tiger. Both the Cap and Nacra carry weight better than the Tiger, however ideal weight is still 150 for each. This would have a lot to do with the crew weight equalising system the class has in place, however I would not imagine the ideal weight between the Tiger and the modern F18s was to much beyond 5 to 10 kg.
As for crews with the strength to handle, a fit 60 to 70 kg crew should handle the tiny F16 spin without a problem. One of my Tornado / F18 crews tipped the scales at 60kg and had more than enough strength to handle the T kite. I am talking about peak athletes which will get the most out of the boat, not a kid you pick up off the beach.
With respect to the Viper, I think AHPC will eventually have to lower its weight if it wants to make a play at getting the serious crews to buy Vipers instead of only the serious recreational racers and sailors.
I would like to see that. The package looks very good but the weight is a ?....... If you did build the same boat at min weight, there is no doupt it will be superior to the 125 kg unit.
It is no secret that I have now got my boat on the market and plan to get an F16. The Blade looks good, the Viper would be tempting if it was lighter, however it looks like I may pick up a 4.9 and have a tinker with it.
That is mighty big of you to not have let my abuse sour you on the F16 idea. Having a modified Taipan myself I feel that "tinkering" about with a Taipan may not be a bad idea. Just stay below 145 kg combined if you really want to race it competitively. Go for the modern hullshapes if you are above that. If you are mostly looking at singlehanding then the Taipan is a very good F16 performer below 10 knots of wind, especially in the really light winds. If you regulary get more or get serious chop then the modern hullshapes will allow you the trapeze under spinnaker and bring a bigger smile to your face. The Aussie Blade is right on the mark in the way of hull design. That is my experience so far.
Wouter
Plan is to hang up the Tornado / F18 boots for a while and teach my Girlfriend how to sail (she currently windsurfs). She is also currently studying for her masters along side her full time job, so I am kicked out of the house often to go sailing  This is where the F16 concept becomes very handy...... one up with kite.
Brent my crew is in a simular situation and is looking at going down the same track.
