The whole point of using T foils on a cat (two, one on each rudder) is to greatly reduce pitching, which is exactly what they do whether fixed or adjustable. Who the hell would want to have to adjust T foils on a cat when fixed foils work so well anyway, and, for a cat, it is very dubious whether having adjustable foils could even be used IN ACTUAL PRACTICE on the water to advantage. It is easy to sit back and debate all sorts of scenarios about “if you did this” and “if you did that” and argue endlessly about some conceived resulting advantage – THEN THROW OUT THE BABY WITH THE BATH WATER – Why don’t you at least wait until some one actually tries before you decide. Banning adjustable T foils when non really exist for cats is the same as convicting some one of a heinous crime in their absence (and later finding out you were in error)
I have tried and found that for me adjustable foils were an abomination on a cat (Good for two handed mono hulls that by our standards are slow and allow “time” though) and there is no need to ban them as I don’t think anyone will ever come up with a system of adjustable T foils for a cat that will ever be used.
I call this whole debate nothing more than a “storm in a teacup”
Mast tip weight though is something else – I think it should be removed – I feel strongly that it is something that will, in the future restrict the class rather than what it’s intended intention now is. I put it in the category of there being certain dimensions that are necessary to define the object, but too many “restriction” are never good (particularly in the long term) Good forward thinking is what makes the difference between long life and a seven day wonder and I don’t really think “mast tip” is long term thinking but more like an unnecessary restriction that may come back to bite you on the bum.