Mike the boat you are asking about already exists…It’s called a Supercat 17 (min class weight 325#) or if you want a new one an ARC 17 (Min class weight Uni Rig 285# Sloop Rig 300#, w/o sails). The Hull can handle a fair amount of crew weight…is built Ocean tough for use as a “real” beach cat. Has top quality components and is available with a factory designed spinnaker if desired. Sloop comes with self tacking jib, No boards, but points just fine without them.

The older Supercat 17 models have a P# of 73 with stock sails, the new ARC 17 has a P# of 70 in contrast to the Hobie 18 with a P# of 71.4 I would think that the Square Top Calvert Main I have on my 1994 SC17 completely closes the gap on the Hobie 18 P# advantage…if it ever really had one… other than on paper. When Bill Roberts sailed the ARC 17 a few years ago in its debut race (Tradewinds race I believe) he won sailing against boats with much lower P #'s

The ARC’s are using Vacuum bagged high density cores with Epoxy resins in the hull laminate...it’s not just a wish…it’s been a reality since the beginning of 2004.

So if you want a new or used truly rugged beach cat with good performance but without a lot of unnecessary weight, you need look no farther.

Oh by the way…this is my second SC17, I loved my first one so much I bought a newer version of it.My first SC17 was a 1982 model that was flipped completely upside down (by the “perfect storm”, the same one they made the movie about) with the galvanized steel trailer still strapped to it without receiving any hull damage what so ever.
Is that strong enough for you?

Best Regards,
Bob