I also agree that the explanations of Wouter haven't been wasted - actually I Iearned a lot. The major point in this is that there is a world outside of Hobie and NACRA, which somehow cures a bit my current frustration. It would have been almost too easy: just trade in my old boat, get the new one in time for the season from a source just one hour drive away ...

Since I have been asked, I certainly will not go for a new F17. The investment of more than €10000,- ending up with a boat with almost the same weight like my previous one although admitingly faster does not make sense to me.
There are still months ahead to consider other alternatives, e.g. the mentioned F16s.

I don't know if anybody is familiar with a guy named Nils Bunkenburg. He is designer of the Hobie Fox or Tiger (I always mix them up ...) and the new Eagle Cat 18HT - and member of my club. I had a conversation with him concerning my demands and he had some interesting comments. But this is another subject ...

Thanks for all the help so far!