Hakan, my project goal is: 1)boat under 250lb, 2)high performance single hander (recreational- serious ocean sailing) adequate double hander. 3)Min length 18'

On min length: My sailing parameters are quite close to the F-16hp, but my experience and those of a couple of professionals in catsailing say that there is no substitute for length. I have owned a H16, H17 and a P19, sailed in a good blow on I18, I20. I have had reasonable time on a Tornado, N6.0, N5.0. The only thing I haven't done is actually sail a f-16. I went to meet Eric P. at Bear Lake to sail his T4.9, but he broke his spreader, so no go. I vaguely recall that Eric had a similar observation about length, but weight and simplicity were more important to him than ultimate sailing performance in rough conditions. I prefer 19' but am willing to go down to 18' on a modern design. Additionally, there is a great deal of experience and experimenting going into the 18' cat: Acat, 18sq, F18, F18ht.

So, if I understand your above comments correctly, you think the M18 platform would perform well under a f18ht rig? I'm not interested in competing in the A cat league. So that simplifies my rig requirements.

I'm interested in the DK17 for this same purpose and have emailed Bill Vining for his observations.