The self tacker is the first challenge, well second, after the lo-tech apple bottom spinnaker snuffer.
The move to the self tacker is to clear the deck. Better for taking the kids and wife along for rides.
The loss in jib overlap will be made up for with more jib foot, or so my thinking goes. If this doesn't kill the boat's balance beyond rudder rake adjustment and mast rake, then the square top main may be next.
$2500 is not a big investment compared to $15,000 for an all up Tiger with trailer.
Unlike the rudders, I would never dream of these changes for the class boat, but they may show up at a New Year's day race near you... ... triple trap and all.
Until the boys are sailing, my racing days are numbered. Even then, my time on the water will be developing them with the comming Hammond Family chase boat and fish killing machine.
Dan the next boat will probably be a new 16, not a Tiger. Did you see what happened to the dollar vs the Euro in the last few days?
Unless Barak can rescue the dollar, the Tiger may see expensive days ahead.