I have owned a Prindle 18-2 for 2 years. I had sailing experience before owning a cat. For those with some sailing experience, the 18-2 is a great boat on which you can grow your skills. I sail on the ocean and take great pleasure in the way it slices through the chop and surfs the swells. I was at a catamaran gathering (20 cats) this Saturday. There were Prindle 18's, my 18-2 and a 19. The 18-2 and 19 look quite similiar, but the 18 is a much simpler boat. I took someone out who owned a 25' Cat and has sailed all his life. He was quite impressed with the speed and overall handling of the 18-2.