[quote=nacra55]A few years is not that long for getting up to speed racing a beach cat. I would think that the sailors on the boats you are racing against have much more experience. You say “even with my handicap and when I am singling I just can't keep up” A H16 is not going to keep up with F18’s boat for boat, neither are any of the other boats you list, that is what the handicap system is for. The N5.5, if it’s a sloop, will keep up upwind but not down. What’s expensive? Where are you?
You want a boat that will keep up boat for boat with F18’s and other higher performance catamarans while sailing solo. Sounds like an F16, $10,000.00 plus used if you can find one. Why not get a crew and an F18? You can get into an F18 much cheaper than the F16. What’s your crew weight? Sail what the others in the area sail and you will get up to speed much quicker. F18’s are not single handers, too many lines and things happen quick.
Why not stay with the H16 that you love and promote your class? Get some other 16s involved. As for taking friends out, why not keep it to a crew of 2, the ride will be so much better, 3 or more onboard hurts performance, is crowded, and makes it harder to sail with the drag and loaded up helm.
I disagree with putting a spin on a H16, I’ve sailed one. They are very twitchy and hard to keep the spin full and drawing. If your sails are old and blown out, put your money into a new main and jib.
Just my opinion[/quote]
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