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?
Probably not without arranging some training at the same time. Having sailed Dart 18 and F18 before sailing F16, I'd say it'd be pretty much the same as selling them an F18.
Would the boat hold up to the conditions here?
Yes.
Would you store your F16 on the beach?
I'm a pond sailor, but many people do store F16s on a beach.
Would you compare the rigging time to any of the other spi boats, Tiger, FX, Infusion etc?
2-up, it's identical to an F18. 1-up it's a little quicker.
How long (realistically)?
Depends on how practised you are, and what you're starting from. My boat lives on its road trailer with the mast up and a cover on it, and it takes me about 15 minutes.
Monetarily speaking, should I pony up and support this class on the West Coast?
Obviously I'm biased, and am not very familiar with the West Coast sailing scene, but the versatility and light weight are what make the F16 unique. You mention it in comparison to the H16, but it's a very different boat with a different appeal. It's certainly a faster boat, but if what you're after is pure drag racing reaches, then the H16 may be a better boat, as the F16, like the F18, is focused on maximising upwind/downwind race performance.
The market for the boat is much closer to that of the F18 or FX-one. The advantages are the lighter weight which means easier to right and easier to drag up the beach and the ability to sail 1-up or 2-up. As an average club sailor, it's these practical benefits that make all the difference for me. The disadvantage (at least round here) is that currently the fleets are far smaller than for F18.
Paul
