RG,
I agree 100% which is why I think we should get some boats on the water and compare notes before setting down rules.
I have no problems with rules but hesitate to set them before we do some testing.
This is why I suggested length as the only rule until we have some real life experience.

BTW: - My design will fit well inside the rules mentioned so far except maybe length. I just don't think it wise to tie our hands prematurely.
Also after careful consideration I think the boats should be 12ft6inches or under. A bit more along the lines of what Wouter was saying. It may very well end up many of the rules end up coming back to what he had but I would not agree to it without real life testing.
Just the way I see it.
Regards,
Phill

I know that the voices in my head aint real,
but they have some pretty good ideas.
There is no such thing as a quick fix and I've never had free lunch!