I sail a Hobie 17 on Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts. I love my boat, but I think there are many others that perform better for open saltwater sailing. I am very light weight, but the boat tends to bog down with much of any weight on it. The tramp drags in the water because there isn't enough hull volume to keep the it out of it. With the right gear you can step the mast solo, and right it solo. I haven't sailed a Dart yet, but they look better suited for the sea, and Nacra seems to have several boats to consider. If you go with Hobie, I'd think a furling jib on a 16 would be the ticket. Get a gin pole and blocks to step the mast, and either, a Soloright, or Rick's righting pole, and you'll be all set for dealing with those issues on any of these boats. Good luck!