TIGER, Inter18, NacraF18 or 18HT

[EnriqueGracia]

I am really interested in buying a performance cat in the 18-20 ft range.

I would sail with my wife (together 125-130kg). I live in Sapin.

I have been trying to get information on different options on the web but everybody seems to be too fanatic on the cat they have. Its very difficult to get a real and independent opinion.

I saw this new class, the HT, on the Ventilo WebPage and got my attention since it seems that is possible to sail solo on less than 10kts, which is very interesting for me.

I dont know if theese cats, the HT are faster than a Tiger or an Inter20 (that is my best option, i Think till now). But the I20 is expensive and a bit too overpowered, I think (but Im not sure).

I would appreciatte any advice, opion or information about this class, the bim jav2 or the ventilo 18ht or a comparison with any of the cats that I have mentioned.

Sorry for my english and thanks for any information.

[EnriqueGracia]

I live in Spain.

[Tim Bohan]

Enrique...I was considering the same cats last year and here is what lead me to the F18ht. I race with my 9 yr. old son and together we weigh about 315lbs. Because he is 9, I do all the rigging and hauling the boat up and down the beach alone. I was thinking of the Inter 20 and talked with several Inter 20 sailors, they ALL said, "too much boat for you and the kid". Also, I felt it too heavy and too expensive. If I was a bigger man (taller, heavier, stronger) maybe, but not at my size, doing most of the work alone. I already had a Nacra 5.5 sloop with a spinnaker, which is almost exactly the standard F18 class boat in weight and sail area. It was a great boat in wind over 15-20 but in less than 10 knots it was slower than I like. In almost every regatta I sailed last year the wind was less than 10. I was thinking of an A cat but I can't leave my son at home while I go off and race so I needed an A cat with two traps and I like the spinnaker to make downwind as much fun as upwind. I also wanted a carbon mast. Then, I sailed the F18HT...Perfect! A-cat speed, spinnaker, double traps, light enough for me alone to handle on the beach and I can sail it alone under 15 knots of wind. No jib to slow the kid down on the tacks. I live on a lake and keep it set up in my backyard, I sail it alone when the kids are in school but of course, it is only raced with two on board. And...the Bimare Jav 2 is cheaper than the Inter 20 or the Hobie Tiger by several thousands of dollars. And, about 100 lbs lighter than the Tiger. There are several husband/wife teams racing the Jav 2 now in the US. I'm sure they will tell you more about how the wife feels. Maybe they will respond here too. Take care and see if you can get a test sail on the Jav 2 somewhere over there. Tim Bohan, Sebring, Florida.

[Enrique Gracia]

Thanks a lot Tom. I really apriciatte your oppinion.

I have read an article of the Pi Team (pisailing.com) that really made up my mind on the HT concept.

These guys at Pi Team made 17kts upwind and told it was definitevely faster than an inter 20 up wind and more or less downwind. I am not such a tough sailor but I would like to have fun at all winds and better with my wife.

Same or more speed, chance to sail solo, and less price. What else can be asked for.

Do you have an idea of the price of the boat and options or have a personal contact in bimare I could call. Ive been trying to open their web (bimarecatamarani.com) with no success.

[Tim Bohan]

I think you need to contact Maurizio, and his email is listed on another post on this site somewhere. He usually reads this forum so he may contact you. I don't know any dealers in Europe. You may be able to get more info from WF Oliver, his email is also on another post here. Good luck. Tim

[W.F. Oliver III]

Enrique,

If you have any specific questions, then feel free to contact me at [e-mail]

I do not know of the dealer in Spain, but I can probably help you find one or arrange something for you.

Regards,

W.F. Oliver

[Zenke]

You can get more information on the new Nacra F-18 at www.sailfastusa.com

[Berthos]

Enrique,

At a combined weight of about 130kg you and your wife are perfect for an F16HP boat. These boats are very fast and exciting despite their 16foot length. When sailed well they are as quick as F18 boats but 80 odd kilos lighter. It is well worth considering one of these boats. The minimum weight is about 105kg. They can also easily be single handed.

Have a look at the F16HP website:

www.geocities.com/f16hpclass/index.html

or the Australian Taipan Website:

www.taipan.asn.au

The Taipan is not an F16HP boat unless you stick a kite on it which more and more sailors in Australia are doing now.

Berthos.

[CarlHenshaw]

Berthos and Zenke,

This is the forum for the F-18HTs and discussion about our class, so please go to the F-16HP and F-18 forums to advertise for your products or classes. I am sure that both your products are great, but take the advertising elsewhere as this is not the place.

I am surprised that the Forum administrator has not deleted your messages or responed to your post. I have been enjoying this forum for a couple of months and find it a great break from the CS Forum, which is often venonmous. I hope that this forum is better policed than the other such forums, so that it remains pleasant.

Carl

[W.F. Oliver III]

Carl,

Thank you for you concern. I agree that it would be preferable if the discussions would be kept to those pertaining to the F-18HT class, however the posts were not unfriendly or nasty, so I see no reason to censor them.

I have been very pleased with the forum's air of cooperation and respect and hope that it continues.

W.F. Oliver
F-18HT USA-3
& F-18HT Forum Administrator