Bladerider - First impressions
As I mentioned briefly in the last post, I was lucky enough to be able to take Rohan’s new Bladerider for a sail last Monday.
So what did I think of the first boat I’d seen out of the much-hyped operation?
Generally, I’m quite impressed. I didn’t expect the quality of finish on the hull or wings to be up to the standard, but it was. Once they get the finishing of the foils right - there will be little to criticise on the appearance front.
The rig is obviously fast - being the Burvill/KA rig that’s taken the last 2 World Championships. There shouldn’t be any problems there.
The foil designs are definitely a departure from the progressive evolution that the other foil manufacturers have followed. Amac has gone out and designed some quite funky blades, tapered, curved down then up at the tips, bulbs at the t-junction. They’re different, but they seem to work. Even though the finish was as rough as sandpaper on the blades I used, the boat flew easily. In 10 knots it lifted out of the water in a length or two, much easier than my first generation boat last season. With a bit of finishing it should be even easier.
Rohan is talking about 20% improvement… but that’s a hell of a lot.
The foils are two-piece, and the t-junction has been the hardest part to get right for most of those putting foils together. I don’t know how these things are going to hold up, with the main foil recessed into the centre-bulb, and a screw holding the whole catastrophe together.
It’ll make for easy transport - but I’m not going to go diving 300m on Lake Garda to retrieve it if it falls off… Hello plexus.
The hull looks good. Nice low profile, no rocker. Larger transom than most. The weight is a bit of an open question, with all that glossy clear-carbon finish coming at a price. Apparently the standard pre-preg 200g carbon biaxial outer with a kevlar inner skin. Hopefully enough bulkheads and reinforcing to take the foil loading… and hopefully not all too heavy.
The gantry and rudder box arrangement did appear a little fragile, but it won’t take long to find the weak points. I’ve never been a huge fan of retractable blades, and I didn’t like the small amount of movement that was there. That will be something to tweak early in any boat. Hopefully the Stevo floating pin can hold up as well.
So all in all, I’m happy.
I still don’t like the price. While being in line with the other builders, it still seems high for a chinese knock-off. But then KA is approaching this game as much more of a business than their competitors. They’ve got staff to pay, and need to recoup their significant investment somehow. I’m sure they’ve done their numbers and know their targets.
I’d just hoped there would be awesome carbon flying toys available for about $12k AUD, not $17k.
But then you can’t have everything your own way can you?
In the end I think I’ll get one. I’ll throw my hat in the ring for the Garda Worlds and see what this new kit can do.
The first real test of relative performance will come only next week, when Rohan on his new Bladerider shapes up against Luka and Mark on their new Prowlers. Interesting times.
And I hope to god KA can meet their production expectations and put hundreds of these things on the water in the next few years.
I might even make the team if I’m lucky.
…
So it’s time to lose some weight again. Already 70kgs after stepping off the 49er only a week and a half ago.
