Fortunately for you, you're right in the middle of prime H-17 country. There's lots of 17's that race in HCA Division 11 - it's probably the most active 17 area in the country. They had an average of 10 H-17's on the line for each of their 8 sanctioned regattas last year. The division web site is at www.catsailing.com/division11/.

I personally like the three-piece tramp. I borrowed a boat for the 17 North Americans this past year (in Rehoboth, DE) that had one of the original Hobie "one-piece" bias cut tramps. I couldn't get it tight enough and it sagged a bit in the middle when you put weight on it. I felt like I was kneeling in the water when I tacked.

On my old 17, I had a three piece and I could get it drum tight, which helps keep the boat stiff.

Lance is right about it not being a big deal until you start winning races. It will be a while before you do that in Division 11, though. Those guys are fast!