I was very much in the same situation (dare I say "boat") as you. When my kids were small, they didn't like the boat and we couldn't leave them on the beach alone, so the boat sat in the garage for two years before I finally gave up and sold it (this was a Laser II.) Now that the kids are out of the house, I have gotten back into sailing. I assumed I would be sailing small monohulls again, but I got bit by the cat bug. Now back on subject.

You are right that there are precious few used F16s on the market. Any boat newer than 2007 that you find is not going to be cheep. (I see on this very site, there is a 2009 Viper for $17,500.) I managed to find a 2001 Taipan with F16 upgrade and even that cost $7000 (with trailer, cat wheels, et al.)

Also, keep in mind there is a reason why the F16 is rated the fastest 16 foot boat in USPN, Texel, and SCHRS (probably all,) rating systems and it isn't because it makes a great family cruiser. For family cruising, I use a Getaway. With the 16, I'm only willing to take one person at a time.