[quote=cezo823]I sail a 5.2 solo at about 220, great time, perfect amount of boat for my weight solo, but a LOT of different lines to pull solo. I enjoy the challenge though. I don't tolerate things that I don't like so I cleaned up the tramp a lot. Removed the center tube, new trampoline that hides 2/3 of the jib car wire/line underneath the tramp and got creative with how I run the line. I still have some work to do but it is better.
If your wife is just going to ride along occasionally I'd say the 5.2 or 5.5 are good choices, a 18 square is a great solo boat also.
I race often in the summer time, and the boat will go. I race with everything from Hobie 16's to Tornado's F-18's, F-16's, and A-Cats, the high end boats obviously leave me behind but the boat holds its own. I'm happy with how the boat does for how much money I have into it.
The F16s and F17s are awesome for guys like us, main and spin, and you can throw on a self tacking jib when you have a crew, a little more expensive though, well a lot more.
I'll keep retro fitting the 5.2 until my oldest son is old enough to crew then we will get whatever everyone is into then. I'm guessing f22 with 3 man crews...
Next summer I'll be able to tell you how it does with laminate square top sails and the year after that maybe I'll be able to tell you about a spin or hooter, but I would still say that the 5.2 or 5.5 can be the boat of your dreams and had pretty affordable-ly.
Also go WILDCATS! I have family in Tuscon, I haven't been there in a while or ever sailed anywhere there but I love the city.[/quote]
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