Timbo,
first I believe you sail an N20, and from my experience it is a difficult transition to the F18, even the NACRA F18. I found that it just seemed underpowered, and when it stuffs, it stuffs quick, unlike the N20 which will power up out of almost anything. Most bow stuffs are recoverable though, and the majority of the pitches are done on tight jib reaches, with little time to recover when its puffy. As I look at this design I dont see alot of meat forward like the N20, s Im not sure if it will help this tendency or not, I think 2 more feet will though!
I love both boats, but they are apples and oranges. Now the Tiger and the NACRA F18, they are so close that I dont think anything but pilot skill will seperate those, not even this shiny new design. And although I worry slightly about resale on my 2004 NACRA F18 with this new design, I dont think it will be a big deal on the course. Looks cool though!