Thanks for all the great input and ideas about designs to look at. Keep em coming!

Sounds like hull volume, ruggedness and simplicity of construction and ability to take a lot of wind are good features. Bigger and longer provide more seaworthiness too, but a requirement for me will be the ability for the crew to right the boat reliably in "combat" conditions.

I have done a lot of remote sailing on extended trips on some remote coasts, all in various sailing dinghies and open boats. (1000 mile Laser and Daysailer trips on the north coast of Labrador, 6 weeks cruising the channels of patagonia in a 21' Sea Pearl, many multi week trips on the Sea of Cortez in 18 & 22 ft open boats, St Pete to Key Largo Watertribe Challenge in Expedition 14.5 dinghy, are examples)

Cat experience is limited to day sailing Hobie and Prindle 16s and am thinking now about a beach cat that will adapt well to the kind of multiday camp cruising that I like to do.

Any further advice and ideas appreciated.

George VS