I am not sure but it sounds like he is talking about the Hobie 16. I mean it is cheap, easy and fairly fast.
I bet he could get a used on for under 1000 that was ready for the water and in good shape. Plus it is a great boat to learn on, and can carry two, but be set up by one.

Once you go cat you never go back! Nacra 5.2 (Elsies)#1499, running an inter17 spin!