For the price of the new boats you are considering you could buy a Hobie 18 and a Laser. Sail them both for a season and see which fits your style. Another consideration is something like a Flying Scot or Lightning. It all depends on if your reason for sailing is the thrill of speed, beauty of sail, or taking the family of 5 out for a picinic. The best advice I could give you is see what the local fleet is sailing and introduce yourself and ask for a ride. I think you will find sailors in general a good group of people. Resist the temptation to be unique and find a fleet that will help and support your learning curve as well as encourage you to come out and sail with new friends. I am very happy with my NACRA 6.0 NA, but it is not a boat to learn on. My other boat is a old Herrshoff gaff rig right out of the 1890s-again different boats for different uses. The most important decision is the one you have already made-to sail!