It's really hard to go wrong with a H16 (or P16). Like the Wave, they are simple and durable but they are a definite step up in sailing performance. Even if you find it is not the boat for you, they are very easy to sell. However, there is a lot of 20-30 year old junk for sale out there. If you don't have a lot of H16 knowledge, I recommend taking a friend to evaluate the hulls and sails of any boat for sale. The rest of the stuff is (reletively) modest cost to replace.

H16 v. P16: Very little difference between these boats. They were both designed as rugged, off-the-beach boats. H16 has the advantage of being more popular, therefore more used parts available, etc.

4 to 5 foot seas: Any beach cat is going to be a handfull in these conditions, sustained 20+ kts. Maybe the Gulf Stream can create 4-5 in less wind, I guess your milage may vary. If the argument is that the H16 is pitch pole happy in 4-5, then show me any beach cat that isn't! The H16 hull design does make it more easy to pitch pole but it is all reletive. It is not an issue so egregious that you should not consider buying one. The argument is usually posed by people wihout a lot of H16 experience or have some other agenda.

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