[quote=jackb]For a family of 5 with 3 fast growing kids, you have only one option -- Hobie Getaway! It has capacity up to 1000 lb, forward trampoline and optional wings.
This is how a Gateway would rate against your requirements:
[quote]Can be sailed solo, raced with a friend, or with my family[/quote] 90% Not best racing boat
[quote]Is not terribly difficult to setup[/quote] 100%
[quote]Can be trailered by a non-SUV[/quote] 100%
[quote]Can be righted by myself.[/quote] 80% -- you may need a sizable righting bag to help
[quote]Can be raced in the Southeast. (I will sail the boat locally on our lakes and will take it to South Walton beaches at least twice a year.)[/quote] 50% Not the best racing boat
[quote]Is fast and fun![/quote] 50% Not the fastest cat out there, but still fun
[quote]Cost is always a factor but not a limiting one.[/quote] 80% New at about $8000, used $6000 (including trailer and etc.). Expensive comparing with a used H16, but way less than a new F18.
Most of the 18-footers are optimized for 2 and can accommodate 3. I suppose you could squeeze 5, if you don't mind to feel like a sardine.
There is no single cat to meet all your requirements a 100%. What you need is more than one cat. One to go with you family, Hobie 21 or Nacra F20, or Getaway, and the second to go solo: Hobie Wave, A Class, or Hobie 17. Then you will need Hobie 16 to go racing, because there is more H16 to race that any other cat. Should I go on? :roll:
Seriously, get a Gateway -- you and your family will love it! :-)[/quote]
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