[quote=smfinley]I would also suggest a Getaway if you are wanting to put 4 or 5 and cruise around on a cat. They handle the weight well and are designed for families with the front tramp, boomless sail and wing benches. Not the fastest cat, but faster then most any monohull the same size.
I personally like the H18M and H18SX with the wings. The number of people you are talking will not fit on a H16, and really most 18' boats the tramp area is tight for that many people. The wings allow room for people to sit and relax. Also great for when the wind picks up. I sail my H18M solo up to about 10-15mph of wind, I would have trouble righting it solo, but make sure I am with others on the water when by myself. I am also 200+lbs, there are several of us taller guys on here that like the wings of a H18 for comfort.
I would avoid a H16 due to the lack of hull volume. A P16 would be small but would work better then a H16. The 16's are lighter and easier to move on the beach and to right, but I think you will have space issues with them. There is also a H21SC which if I recall is an 8'6" wide 21' boat with wings and basically a H18 sailplan, but with the higher volume H21 hulls. So that would also be a bigger option for you while still fairly easy to trailer.
Good luck, and welcome back to sailing.[/quote]
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