Which F18 to buy

Originally posted by oz man Originally posted by Yello Streak It is in the end the purchasers choice, and as i am one I reserve the right to my opinon and choice. cant argue with that well i could but i cant be bothered

I'm not sure what your argument would be and if you truly felt that strong about it why you cant be bothered..

As a Privateer in F18 I have to make the decision on durability and reliability,it might be all very well having the fastest of everything but if it keeps presenting me with large bills in order to keep it going, regardless of the purchase price, its not an option for me.

Put simply, do I fork out £14.5k on something I believe is not up to the job or do I fork out £13.75 on something that I believe is up to the job.. I know where my money is going..

However, just for your information I as I said am a privateer, I've owned Darts, Hobies, Nacra's and even a KL.. I show no allegance to a particular manufacturer  I just spend my money wisely, how I believe is best.. this is a forum asking for advice on what F18 to buy, I offered my opinon on the subject, take it or leave it.. but to be quite honest i don't need to be influenced or enter into an argument by or with someone in the 'proffession' of sailing..

Yellow Streak, 

What do you think is wrong ?

I think the hull shape and front beam mounting is a big step forward.  Don't like the blocks?  Change them!  I've been sailing cats for 30 years (feck!!!) and I have a setup I like and I replicate this thru boats I sail.  Supplied deck hardware will not suit everyone.  Change it! 

What are these fittings you don't like? Most companies have come on a long
way in recent years so I can't believe they would be that bad.....?
Unless of course it's R.W.O, in which case I would whole heartedly agree in
staying the hell away.

Doug, I'm sure the fitting are probably Ok, so I don't want to single them out or indeed name them, but they are definately not Harken, a company who's product i've put unquestioned faith in most if not all my sailing life.. the added bonus of an absolute no quibble replacement warranty on things like ratchets and travellers speaks volume for their product and their service.. I know others offer warranty but none so comprehensive as Harken.

Adrian, what a good idea... I'm lead to believe you can buy the infusion in basic spec (still harken though) for just under 13k and upgrade to a race spec for about £700 more..

I would pre-fer to pay £14500 and get a boat with build quality second to none, rather than £13999 for a boat that what i see isnt the quickest any more.

look at how fast she already is, not nacra 2 years to win