Joe,

I think any good Boyer Mk. IV/V will meet your needs and budget best. A Marstrom would be even better for your weight but you may find it hard to find one in your price range.

Regarding putting a chute on the boat, well go ahead but I think you will enjoy the boat more without it unless you have a dedicated rig for it (I would not modify my only mast) and you can store the boat mast up. A good sailor who owns an I-17R has been in touch with me about getting an A-boat. While he knows the I-17R can go downwind faster, he is simply tired of the weight and complexity and wants the A-boat mainly because it will take minimal time to rig and launch.

Good luck,

Bob Hodges
A2 USA 230