Clipper,

I see that you named the Hobie FX-one in your list. If you're leaning to this design than I know of a second hand alternative for you. A Taipan 4.9 (available in the US; 2000 build available for a 8K price)

I don't how much you (and your crew) weight but my experience is the FX-one behaves better with two on board than with one. I'm 85 kg's (187 lbs) en my crew was 60 kg (130 lbs). That seemed to be just right and it definately felt right. The jib really did power up the boat and we had great fun sailing against a Tiger sailed by a befriended crew on a few friendly challenges during the week.

The Tiger is a good design and will behave well if you're around or above 320 lbs. Below that the FX-one is better suited. That is if you really go for a Hobie as the wording of your question suggests.

I don't know of the TheMightyHobie18 and miracle but didn't sail them.

They will both come cheaper and will still give a bang for the buck I'm told.

Wouter