Seeing as the Beaver thread got hijacked I will start another here:

In the past there has been a lot of attempts to get a 20 class of some sort organized. All Formula style attempts have failed because there seems to be no concensus as to what the formula should consist of.

A good number of the boats built historicaly have been bastardized versions of an existing model. This all being done to try and keep costs in control. The I 20 being a scalled I18 with some of the same bits that ended up not working all that well (Rudder for example) AHPC's Viper trying to use all the bits off the Cap. All these work but at some price to parts devloped to fit the real intent of the boat. No one but a select handfull of sailors in the world will be able to tell the difference as the skill level of the weekend warrior (those of us buying their boats) are not such that a few pounds or a slightly less efficient foil will make a difference in our results.

We do however go out and purchase based on perception though. Price, weight, features, styling, builder, results etc. If any builder would come out with a 20 footer they will sell a few. That being the problem beacause it is a lot of work and expensive to make just a few of anything. Marstrom now has 1 but they are relatively expensive and I have yet to see more than 2 rigged the same. I am sure the Shuerer boat will be exceptionaly done based on what I saw of their A, yet the majority of comments on the other thread were devoted to pointing out percieved defficiencies of a rendering.

Recognizing most features are mutualy exclusive what items are most important in choosing a new boat? Looking at a performance boat - not a Hobie Sport Cruiser - and as someone else pointed out cat sailing is currently the least expensve place you can go to get into high end performance for any vehicle sport; so those of you who put down price as your first concern, please do not include weight, performance, or features/components in the same list.

Here are few that come to mind but feel free to add

Weight
Designed use (Rough off shore or inshore)
Sail area/ Power
Rigging (simple, or adjustable)
Open design Formula or 1 design
If open how open
Beam
Materials used, or unrestricted
Sail configuration
Sail makers
Styling
Inovation