In the right conditions I can solo right the 18, in the right conditions. The FX 1 will not take repeated beach landings nor will an A cat. I cannot stop coming in due to swimmer traffic, I sail off Myrtle Beach. I hit the sand and slide to a stop, always! The I17R is looking more and more like the right fit for me. I tend to go in and out repeatedly all day long, typically with different crew each time if available. By crew I mean strange women on the beach, not actual crew. Nacra 500 looks interesting as well.
How does the 16 sail with a spin on it? Does the spin give the bows lift or drive them in? The 16 is a pitchpole master like the 14 but more bouancy. My 16 is an '81 with solid mast so I could give it a try.