bock1 wrote:
I went out on Karl's FX1 a few weeks ago and, um .... my credit card finger is getting twitchy. I can hear a sucking sound starting to form around my checking account....Can someone talk me down? Maybe I've got grass-is-greener syndrome....?
I've got a H17S and, in particular, it really seems to drag when two people are on board. The FX1 didn't seem to have any problem and was floating distinctly higher in the water than the 17 does. I've also had leaking wing sockets in the past and the wing insertion is a major hassle. So, while I've heard the FX is 'fragile', the 17 has had problems for me.
What are other people's opinions of FX1 vs h17?
What are the advantages of the 17 over the FX1? Must be something?
What are the problem points of the FX? {One advantage I give to the 17 is the short boom which seem to provide a bit more space on the tramp}.
Set up time differences?
Ease of single handed sailing and set up?
Boat fragility/durability?
Finally: I've grown to hate the 17 wings/insertion/fragility: what's the process like to get the FX wings on?
Finally: while I'm on the topic of switching boat: if not the FX one, what other boats should I be considering for when looking for fast, single handed (with 2 person capabilities) without a highly complex set up procedure?
thanks
First off, get the FX and put the decision behind you. I've had a lot of 16s, a couple 17s, and the FX.
The main advantage of the 17 is big wind. There is just something about the 17 in 18+ trapping off the wing that just can't be beat.
Problem points FX: The only thing I find frustrating is how long it takes to go from trailer to sail. The pole can't be put on til its off the trailer and it just adds complexity and time. I guess I was spoiled by the 16, 20 minutes and your gone. The setup time is easily 2x a 16 and the mast is a lot heavier. It can still be done by one with a little ingenuity tho. Oh yea, wings. They are a pain to trailer. They just don't "fit" anywhere easy. The reverse the wings for transport on the 17 was sweet.
The is a lot of room on the FX especially with the wings. Sitting on the wing is about like trapping. They are great for 2+ sailing tho. Seems like I'm on them less and less for boat balance reasons. It takes a decent amount of wind to trap off them with my wt. Boat is a tail dragger like the 17 and likes the weight at the crossbar. In light chop you'll get wetter too if weight is not forward. The flat bottoms splash water up.
durability: The 17 was/is a fragile boat in comparison. Its construction was much lighter and I don't think had any bulkheads. I believe it was laid up fiberglass with minimal foam sandwich. If it makes sense it was harder but not as strong. The FX has a TON of bulkheads vertically and horizontally, look inside one of the access posts you will be amazed. The outer skin on the FX seems less stiff and can get indented if you are not careful. Make no mistake it is very strong with foam sandwich construction.
Ease of sail: The Fx is a totally different sail than the 17 in my opinion. It sits much higher on the water and can easily sail with 2+; a 17 would not be any fun with 3 on board. The FX spins on a dime with the tall daggerboards and flat bottoms. After coming from 16s and even the 17 I think I was giggling the first time I spun it in its own length in pre-start manuevering. Being a high aspect sail it doesn't like my weight in light air. It will still move in a breath but without a jib it needs 10 to be fun. The 17 was no fun under 10 in retrospec. I would not put a jib on the FX unless I was always going to sail 2+. The spinnaker,well.... you just have to relearn to PULL instead of Push when get overpowered in a gust. Trust me you'll learn.
Winds over 20 are a handful with the spi, under 20 are a BLAST. The spi makes this boat and I can't imagine sailing it without it.
It's too bad more people didn't make the jump to this boat. I just hope they stay around a few more years.....and the dollar gets way stronger.