OK, one more question re: Hobie cats w/ family members on board. I've only flipped a catamaran once, and that was years ago. (It's not that I'm that good--I simply haven't owned one for awhile!) I was with another guy and we both tumbled from the upward hull. I think he went over the back end, and I have a distinct memory of meeting the boom on the way into the water as I tried to fall between the tramp and the boom. Now my question: Is this the norm? That is, are Hobie flips by nature wild, uncontrolled moments? (What becomes of the crew?) Do you typically go from 20 to 0 in an unexpected instant, or does an experienced cat sailor see the capsize coming and have a controlled, measured plan of how to get into the water? (The Hobie manuals don't seem to cover the details on this one--they just talk about what to do when you're in the water. But how did you get there??) Or does an experienced cat sailor simply avoid capsizing by sheeting out, etc.?

Anyway, forgive my ignorance but this is part of my decision making process in obtaining a Hobie for my family. We've always felt very safe in a monohull, but I'd really like to upgrade the thrills a little--without killing my kids in the process! (I'm supposed to see a guy about an 18' tomorrow...)

Thanks!