The first Taipan was built in April 1988.

The following year 5 more were built and boat 100 was built in 1994.

The sail numbers were issued sequentially starting at 1 and the last boat just sold is 339.

a little over 300 boats in 20 years, its not very good is it.

in 20 years how many hobie 16's have hit the water? they are probably still doing close to 300 boats a year now.

So 1988 - boat # 1

1994 - boat # 100

2008 - boat # 339

1994 - boat # 100

2000 - boat # 228 (2000 or earlier)

there in lies the major problem with the 4.9. they hold thier value far too well. it makes it very difficult for new sailors to get into the class when the used boats are so expensive.

class's like lasers and hobie 16's have thrived on good sailors that choose to buy new boats after 12-18 months, and pass thier boats on rather than buy new sails.

at $1k for a sail they sell the boat for $1k less than they bought it, so for the price of the sail (which they needed anyway) they get a new boat...

quote:

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Originally posted by Herman:
Great information, thankyou.
I have heard a rumor of a batch that may not have been as competative as others, as is the case for most boats. Has anyone heard this, and what year/sail no. would they be?

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I find that rumours generally are just that .... rumours.

Usually started by disaffected people
Harry

quote:

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TESTIMONIALS

Thanks for making the improvements.

I’m just writing a short note to complement you on the changes made to the 4.9 Taipan hull.

Having now owned both the series one hulls, (three part mould) and the series two hulls, (two part mould) I have to say that the later built hulls have improved performance on the earlier boat. The changes to hull shape has meant that the hull now planes earlier and due to the increased buoyancy, they re-surface better when reaching and running. And in my opinion allows the boat to tack easier.

I have sailed the boat in all conditions and I believe there is no question that the latest version hull have distinct advantages to performance and handling. Thanks for making the improvements.

Dennis Baker
Victoria
AUS 229

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quote:

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Originally posted by Herman:
Great information, thankyou.
I have heard a rumor of a batch that may not have been as competative as others, as is the case for most boats. Has anyone heard this, and what year/sail no. would they be?

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Hi Herman,
Maybe it's just a case of less competitive sailors rather than less competative boats?

Cheers

Barry

quote:

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Originally posted by tornado:
1988 - boat # 1

1994 - boat # 100

2000 - boat # 228 (2000 or earlier)

2008 - boat # 339

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Can anyone expand on this, it may come in really usefull for potential buyers.

quote:

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Originally posted by HooD:
[QUOTE]
TESTIMONIALS

Thanks for making the improvements.

I’m just writing a short note to complement you on the changes made to the 4.9 Taipan hull.

Having now owned both the series one hulls, (three part mould) and the series two hulls, (two part mould) I have to say that the later built hulls have improved performance on the earlier boat. The changes to hull shape has meant that the hull now planes earlier and due to the increased buoyancy, they re-surface better when reaching and running. And in my opinion allows the boat to tack easier.

I have sailed the boat in all conditions and I believe there is no question that the latest version hull have distinct advantages to performance and handling. Thanks for making the improvements.

Dennis Baker
Victoria
AUS 229

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I have a feeling its around boat 200. that is what I have read, cant remember where though.

You know a bit about Taipans. Can you please even just loosly expand on the following.

1988 - boat # 1
1994 - boat # 100
2000 - boat # 228 (2000 or earlier)
2008 - boat # 339

From sam257
HI tgh,
The older style boats are still very competitive in all classes.

Boats 0-180 are made in a three pice mould and boats 181 - curret are a two pice mould (joined along the center line).

The yahoo forum is very active but I don't know who looks after it , It took me a long time to get on as well I will try to fing out how you should contact.

Cheers Shane

1988 - boat # 1
....... – boat # 29
Late 80s - boat # 65
1994 - boat # 100
....... - boat # 122
1998 – boat # 155
....... - boat # 180
2000 - boat # 228
Nov 2001 - boat # 246
2008 - boat # 339

What else should you look for in a 4.9

Hulls - Glass, Kevlar, double Kevlar
Main - big head
Spreaders - proctor adjustable spreaders
C/boards - Glass / Carbon
Rudders - Glass / Carbon, rod lock down
Rudder stocks - Alloy / Carbon
Beach wheels - Eurotrax
Trailer - No tie down / galvanised registered.

What is a new main with battens worth? As far as I am concerned, a boat without a big main should be 2k (?) cheaper.