James,
I found a Manual "Hobie University 2002" that has lots of great info about a lot of the questions that you are asking.
http://www.hobieclass.com/default.asp?Page=1686I bought a Hobie 16 about 2 years ago and have sailed in the surf some and on lakes. I don't think it will be too much if you can get some help from the cat sailors around you. I went to a gathering a few weeks ago and one of the guys got on the boat with my daughter and I and we flipped it a couple of times and turtled it once. I feel much better about getting the boat back up now. If you can practice a time or two under controlled conditions you will know if you need to get a righting bag or a pole.
Beach launching can be a bear depending on the prevailing wind and how heavy the surf is. Check out this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt2cSZSURbY . They aren't Hobies but you can see how rough it can be. A buddy of mine broke up a Hobie 16 in the surf when he got caught sideways by a wave.
Hobie 16's are a great ride!
