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[quote=palmettostater][quote=carolinacatamarans]Charleston has an active Hobie 16 fleet ( as well as a Hobie 20 fleet) I would start with the 16 if you see yourself sailing solo often. If you will have reliable crew, get a Hobie 18. In the world of beach cats, Hobie 18s are very good if not the best all around boat. The downside to the 18 is increased weight and can be difficult to wrestle around on the beach.[/quote]

I'm actually leaning toward a P16 or NACRA just because it (according to the websites/boards I've read) won't pitchpole as much as the H16.  It would be really fun to be part of a fleet, though.  But, given that A) I'm still recovering from my debilitating fear of dark water, and B) I'd be learning to sail on a boat renowned for actively trying to murder its occupants (comedic hyperbole intended), I'm not sure the H16 is where I'd want to start.

In reality, I'm 100% positive I'd have an absolute blast on any of them, and that they're all outstanding boats which do different things well.  It just so happens the Hobie's one reported weakness is the one weakness I absolutely, 100% don't want my boat to have.  It's not that the other boats won't also pitchpole, but they don't have whole jokes about "keeping an eye on the leeward hull."

Now, if I can just find a boat in great condition (how will I, the ignoramus, even know if it's in great condition?), in my price range, and within driving distance of Charleston.  I've looked at a bunch of different websites, and there ain't many out there to be had that meet those criteria.[/quote]

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