Just changed from a Hobie 17Sport to a NACRA 5.5SL w/chute.

No comparison in the 2 boats, the 5.5SL does EVERYTHING better and a heck of a lot faster, and with so many choices of sail combinations & PN's I can optimize my PN's to race in any conditions. You're right, ya can't right it solo unassisted. I bought a SOLORIGHT and soved the problem forever. Righted the boat in 20 knots solo, NO prob. 5.5 is a lot more affordable than those others you mentioned, don't think you're gonnna find a better, more versatile performance boat for the money.

CARY