It depends on what you want to do with the boat. If you want to race, then buy the one that has the best racing fleet in your area. If you want to just sail for fun, buy the boat you feel most comfortable with.

I taught myself to sail from scratch on a Hobie 16. I pitchpoled one towards the end of my first season on the water. I never did it again over the next four years I owned the boat. You learn what you can and cannot do and sail her accordingly. Every design has it's idiosyncracies (sp?) and you will learn them.

Plus, isn't part of the allure of sailing that it takes skill and you are constantly learning. It's not like a power boat where you turn a key and all of a sudden you can drive a boat.

You will have fun with either boat you decide to purchase. Good luck and let us know what you decide.