I have to cast my vote for a Hobie Wave for all the reasons you mention. The SE version is made to be disassembled more easily, just for car-topping. The mast is two pieces. The hulls are nearly indestructible. It's simple to sail, stable and bouyant. Not the fastest cat, but faster than a sunfish or laser or any other starter boat. If you're in a resort area, you will see lots of them. And Rick White is pushing fleets and class racing all over.