The 5.2 is a little more powerful than the Hobie 16 and probably has a slightly steeper learning curve. You have to deal with daggerboards on the 5.2 - raising and lowering them for beaching and sailing - but the upwind performance is a little better because of the boards. Outside of that, the sail systems are very similar. Parts for either boat are pretty easy to come by but there are more Hobie 16s around if you are looking for specific advise.

Borrowed from Frank who took my old Nacra 5.2 and created the first "Frankenboat 5.2"...Now does this look like fun or what!? :