Wow 18 lbs, mine weighs in just over 10 lbs maybe with the float on another 3 lbs YS 1.20 lots of power. I notice no difference with the lifting tail I even have a cradle that fits on the top wing and take up gliders. I have increased the rudder by 50% and the elevator the same. I had a few bad releases where the glider ended up hung up and near cross ways on the cradle and I was sill able to land the thing with full control. It is one of my favorites for sure. I really like the Telemaster as well also a lifting tail.
Dennis