Let me start my making it clear that whatever happens will be the result of
a vote by the entire class. It is not my decision to make. Everyone's input
is important on this subject.
Here's my perspective. First, I think that anyone who buys an all wood
cored Swift from Roger is getting a hell of a deal. When you compare the
amount
of work required and the cost of the exotic materials needed to a Waterat 505
or a Beiker I-14, it's not hard to see that Roger is offering substantially
more boat for the money. I would have to guess that Rogers prices will have
to be increased fairly soon.
Second, for many of us, the construction is nearly as much fun as the
sailing. I'm genuinely passionate about both and will continue to do both
until
age leaves construction of an occasional Swift my only option (when I'm 95).
However, if we can produce a Nomex or Balsa cored hull (not deck) that is as
competitive as the cedar core in longevity, and provides neither an advantage
or disadvantage to our existing members / boats, we would open up a market to
those who don't have the time to do a complete boat and to those who want
Roger to be able to maintain some control on his costs / price. Our current
minimum weight should allow enough weight to provide an equally durable hull
while our inertia swing tests will ensure that all hulls have the same amount
of weight in the ends (this is really important).
If the testing shows reasonable durability of Nomex core, I would be in
favor of allowing such construction for the hulls with the understanding that
any
logical argument that substantiates that such boats will lack the durability
of the current boats or provide a competitive advantage will cause me to
withdraw my support. Currently, I have no reason to believe that either
exists
except where decks are concerned--I personally would be hostile toward any
move in that direction for decks.
If we were to do this, we would need to have strict control over those hulls
and they should be contracted to one builder with experience in this
technique for three to five year segments and then rebid.
Best regards,
Bram
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