I noticed a few people have indicated the hobie 16 is slow and all I have to say is they don't know how to sail it. Also look at the pn numbers and you will notice it is rated faster than many other similar sized boats, even though it is a asymmetrical hulled board-less design, truly a unique design. The hobie 16 can go quite fast actually give some of the bigger cats a run for their money. Some find it hard to sail but the beauty of the boats is that you actually have to learn how to sail it as compared to other multihulls, it really allows you to learn to sail and keep improving without needing to move on to another boat due to boredom. The hobie16 still has a strong following for many good reasons and you can't beat the camaraderie found in the hobie 16 class. I have sailed boat the Getaways, Nacra's, Prindle's, etc. and the hobie 16 is far and the way the most fun beach cat to sail and very challenging to sail at times, which is a great combination to keep ones interest going! Good luck with your purchase and let us know how it goes, and hope to see you soon in a hobie 16 regatta!