Larry:
I have removed the cutter boom on day one of ownership on IP35-165 back in 2001. The boom is not needed. I kept the cutter sail and do use it offshore or in motoring on 25+ knot winds. I cannot see any advantage to removing the cutter sail after removing the boom because it does work so well in strong winds. As for tacking like a J35 race boat, if that is important, then simply roll out the cutter, strap it in hard, and then tack the jenny. This will keep it from wrapping on the cutter stay. For me, that works well if I have a lot of tacking. Most of the time, we are on long legs and not tacking, so it is really a non issue.
You are right about the foils, they slide off the stay, but the segments are glued. It could be difficult to due and not do damages to the foils.
I would stop where you are, the cutter boom is gone, YAHOO. Your foredeck is now clear, and guess what, the cutter still works as needed. That is what we have done.
Hayden
