I sailed my 16 with the cutoff 18 sail for the last 2 months.I used the loose foot boom from the 18. I thought it was easier to sail in all winds than the regular 16 sail. It tacks easily with or without the jib. The profile of the boat and sail look more like the later boat designs. About 15" short from the end of the boom and about 30" from the mast top. I had it out solo in about 20mph wind with no problem and saw GPS speed of 15.5 kn. It was the combination I was looking for for a crusing boat.