I have been sailing an H-16 since I bought it new in 1985, 23 years. I singlehand much of the time though I have carried up to 3 additional adults with no problem. When my son-in-law and I sail, our combined weight is more than 370 lbs. We have been out double trapped and flying a hull. The H-18 has larger hulls, providing more buoyancy but I believe it would be harder to single-hand. I also feel that the trampoline on the H-18 is more cramped because of the dagger boards and the jib sheet blocks. Righting an 18 alone would be difficult.

I rig the 16 alone, raising the mast with no problem. I would expect that to be difficult on either the H-18 or the P-18. The H-16 has been very popular for a long time with good reason. There should be a good number of used boats available at a reasonable price. I am pretty biased since I have owned the H-16 for so long but I don't think you would go wrong with it.

Howard