I've sailed a 17 and love it for as a uni. there is nothing quite like trapping out on the wings in a blow. A huge improvement over my 16 in terms of pitchpoling. Several of the sailors in this area sail Hobie 18s with a furling jib for those solo days. The 18 offers a nice stable and powerful platform and may offer the all around best choice for you. If you like wings the Magnum is an option.

Good luck, Tom G