Hear my advice, please.

I know that I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but you all should really look for the AHPC Carbon stocks (new since 2003). The McKenzie carbon stocks, as found on some Blades, is NOT the same as these AHPC stocks. Actually, I love my AHPC stocks to bits. They are the best stocks that I ever used, and they kick-up beautifully, don't have any creep, and are simpler and cheaper then the Dotan or Marstrom stocks. I read that a single Marstrom stock is 530 Euro's. I only payed 360 Euro's for a PAIR of carbon AHPC stocks.

If you ask me then this is one serious option so should all consider. I heard that Vectorworks has a new supplier for their stocks now and I can't yet comment on these as I haven't seen the final product yet.

There is one thing that I fail to understand though. AHPC has proven with their new (2003) carbon stocks setup to produce one of the most simple, best working, best looking and inexpensive stocks. Yet everyone in the F16 community is trying to reinvent the wheel and in some cases even failing at that.

AHPC got it all right this time. Indeed their previous stocks were decent but still had some quirks that you needed to get used too. However, they have solved all that with their 2003 stocks. The lock-down rod is even easy to engage now and will guide itself into the locking hole when the pin is placed relative close to the locking hole (a behaviour the older versions didn't have). I've hit a few sand bars and anker chains now and no damage to my rudderboards. My rudders are also not popping up when screaming along on a power reach nor is there any creep in the lock-down mechanism.

I fine-tuned the locking force early 2005 and secured the adjuster nut to the threading by wrapping some selfvulcanising tape around it. I haven't touched the rudder setup since and it is still operating as I tuned back then. Each time after sailing I take of my rudder stocks and store them in a bag in the shed. This frequent handling had no effect at all on the locking behaviour.

Guys, AHPC got it right this time with their current stock and locking rod. I wouldn't know what to alter about it.

I'm still crossing my fingers that some other builders will learn from this setup and start producing excellent setup themselfs.


Wouter