[quote=Dogboy]I think what was said above is spot on - you have to decide whether you want a light weight, top-end performance boat, or are you willing to sacrifice light weight and some speed for a more rugged design. Keep in mind also, that the more modern race boats are likely to be a bit more complex and time consuming to rig. I don't think you would want to be beach launching an A-Cat. One good tumble in the surf and the boat will be toast.
I am roughly your size (albeit a bit younger) and of the boats mentioned, I have experience on the Hobie 14 & 17 (also the Wave, but doesn't even sound like you're considering that). The 17 is a good all around boat and will give pleasing performance for most cat sailors. It has some unique features like the wings and self tending centerboards that make single handing a little easier. Overall, it is a pretty simple design and can be rigged fairly quickly. Its main drawbacks are 1) its weight and 2) the low boom. At your size, getting under the boom during tacks can be a bit rough. As far as weight is concerned, keep in mind that you can always lighten the load by making multiple trips (i.e., take off the sail, boom, and even the wings to make moving the boat easier).
The Hobie 14 is a classic design and in a breeze, is a total blast. Obviously, if you want to be the fastest boat on the water, you're not likely to be passing any other cats, but the fun factor is all there and the sensation of speed is very similar to larger cats. Rigging and moving the boat is a breeze.
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