>>I had checked out the Taipan 4.9 ... but it is just a little over my budget,

True, that is the problem with the Taipan 4.9 at the moment. There is no denying it.

>>after all this will be the first cat that I will actually own. My accountant (that's me ) thinks it will be an option my second time around.

In that case a good secondhander may be the best option you have. Than a nacra 5.0 or nacra 500 comes to mind.


>>I have been researching the I17R but I think the design is a little old. Does anyone know when it was first designed

Somewhere around 1997 in Australia. Than it was taken up by the US Nacra yard and they changed some stuff of which the weight (more) and the general setup. The Australian original was a two person boat with a large overlapping jib and no spi. Nacra US removed the jib and placed a spi on it and made a singlehander and later replaced the alu mast for a longer carbon one and increased the sail area as well. Brobu sails an alu masted I-17 which would be ideal for his conditions were you don't want that much sailarea on a tall mast anyway. THis is the development in a nutt shell


>>How does the price compare to the Taipan 4.9? . Any other words about this cat?

It is alot cheaper than the Taipan on the US market. I hear it is generally a well (very) behaved boat although the alu masted boat is underpowered in the lighter stuff and its handicap rating and performance reflects this. And for you US guys I'm talking about the version sailed in Europe with the alu mast. The Americans sail the I-17R and this one has boosted performance. It has a carbon mast but it is nowhere near the lightweight of an A-cat carbon mast. Generally a good decent boat. And the only one I haven't sailed myself yet, so I trust that my sailing buddies informed me correctly.


>>I haven't much looked at the Blade yet but I will consider it eventhough it seems as though it is more tailored to flat water; there isn't much of that around here on the Atlantic side of the island.


Yeah well, that is what people say before they have to sail against the Blade in the heavy stuff (chop and waves). I think all who (tested) sailed her since launch were quite expressive about her ability to take-one waves and chop. And I mean in positive terms. General comment is that she has a very smooth feel, no matter what the seastate.


>>>Is there a cat that I can right solo?

A-cat
Prindle 15
Hobie 14


I hope this helps

Wouter