Let's see where this one goes...

We all know about sportboats, right? The high-performance over-sized dinghies with keels that can generate some decent speed, as typified by the likes of the Melges 24 and others.

Well, there is a new class of sportsboats in a smaller size, namely around 20'. These would be the Viper 640, Ultimate 20, Rocket 22, etc. Add to this a newcomer that's generating buzz - the Melges 20. Now, just when I thought hi-po cats were getting pricey, the Melges 20 is projected to go for around $40k. As that's a pre-production estimate, $42-$45k or more may be more like it. If I understand it right, the other boats are cheaper but nothing can be had new for under the upper $20's.

So, on another well-known sailing site, on the SportBoat forum, somebody had the gall to ask whether the appeal of the 20' sportboats would be limited, given that an all-up Hobie Tiger could be had for under $20k and would most likely out-perform the 20' Sportsboat. Well, that place ain't exactly multi-friendly, and hilarity ensued. Here's the thread - Catamaran VS. 20Ft Sportboat

So, I'm asking a similar question here just for fun, and honestly to hear what folks say. Is there anything about the 20' sportsboats that would have you think twice about your cat addiction? For example, would you pass on a new Nacra-20 for a Melges-20, why or why not?

As for me - I couldn't justify spending that kind of scratch on a day-sailer. For that kind of money to pass the family test, there needs to be something more to it. Especially considering that a new Melges-20 is more than I spent on my Corsair F-27. But the real thing is that a new Nacra-20 is far less money, and does everything the Melges can do, plus some the Melges can't even think of. Cool looking boat, though...

Anyway, those are my thoughts, what are yours?