Hello All,
I'd like to get some info from you guys. First there are only 2 F-16's here in CA, but it seems like it might fit the needs of some people. I've had a few inquiries re F16's and basically blew them off as there is no one-design class and I didn't want the headache of starting and supporting another class.

It seems like most of the people that inquire want a lighter boat that is easier to drag down the beach, lighter rig etc, but still fast. Speed of cats is relative as you know, and from the inquiries that I've gotten, I feel a well sailed Hobie 16 will be plenty "fast" for most of these guys, but the spi, weight, and carbon mast option make it intriguing.

We sail out of Santa Cruz and the SF bay, which is game-on sailing. Standard conditions here in the summer are 20kts from the NW with a windswell of 4-7'. There is not much protection other than sailing within 1/8 mile from shore. So knowing that, here are my direct questions:

Would you sell an f16 to a noob cat sailor that has never raced, flown a spi etc, or even crewed on a high performance beach cat, and feel good about it in the aforementioned conditions?

Would the boat hold up to the conditions here?

Would you store your F16 on the beach?

Would you compare the rigging time to any of the other spi boats, Tiger, FX, Infusion etc? How long (realistically)?

Monetarily speaking, should I pony up and support this class on the West Coast?

I definitely don't want this post to spur on any politics, I'm just looking for some honest info. Thanks for your thoughtful responses.