With respect to the McKenzies; I wonder why you guys never replaced them with the AHPC Carbon stocks (as delivered for the Taipan 4.9's) as they are very good indeed. The cast alu Viper Stocks are heavy in my opinion and present no real advantage over bend alu tube stocks that are significantly lighter. The guy building these is near to me (10 km away max) and I was surprised to hear his quotes on these. These bend tube stocks appear to be the best alternative to carbon stocks; both in weight and cost. Fellow F16 owners at my club have been using these for two years now and no issues with them. These stocks also allow the rudders to be rotated upwards by more then 180 degrees see picture.
![[Linked Image]](http://www.catsailor.com/bb_files/155506-9840.jpg)
I'm really looking forward to getting a chance to have a blade vs viper fight on the water. BTW, I had no idea that the Australian bade hull has more volume than the American made blade hull. Is that true?
Yes. however the more important difference is in the freeboard. The Aussie Blade hull has a higher freeboard and the bows themselves are taller as well. This while keeping largely the same overall appearance. I think the sterns are a little more narrow as well. Basically, the Aussie Blade is an evolution to the American Blade driven by the experience gained on the first model models (both timber homebuilds and series production). Ohh, before I forget the Aussie Blade has different beams as well; although these beams are offered to anyone wanting to use them.
Having said all this, when the two boats when head to head at both the 2007 and 2008 F16 global challenge the skippers sailing them were extremely close in performance. Although the comments were that the Aussie Blade handled the heavy seastate better under spi. Upwind was anyones game. Same with respect to the Viper F16 sailed by Greg in the later days. In direct comparison there was surprisingly little difference even when one boat handled certain conditions more comfortably then the other.
Personally I put this down to the engines (rigs) being so well limited by the class rules as to be identical in all intents and purposes. Of course at these events we only had sails made by proper and highly regarded sailmakers. Glaser, Ashby and Landenberger. The Aussie Blade was carrying a more experimental sail and I don't really know where to place that for lack of other data.
Wouter
