Steve -

just a quick comment. Back when I first started sailing cats, my first purchase (early 1970's) was a cat with very thin, deep, symmetrical aluminum hulls. The hulls virtually "sliced" through waves, but because they were so small and thin, hobbyhorse became an issue sailing in waves.

On this boat, the manufacturer had included a front cross beam at the bows, which kept the bows stable, provided for a jib bridle wire connect at the bow, but offered (then) a unique feature. The beam was aluminum in construction and of a somewhat triangular shape. The way it was attached, provided a foil "lift" completely across the bow when the bows started going down into waves. In all the time I sailed it, not once did I worry - or come close - to a pitchpole while the bows were down. If you decide to build, a similar arrangement could be incorporated to help pop the bows back up if they start down. Always thought it was a neat idea and wondered why more companies didn't use the concept.

Cheers