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
I got to agree with Bob. I thought I'd get bored without a spin when we got our Marstrom A, but they go down wind well, and when you are racing in class who cares. Plus when the wind builds up you can do the wild thing - which is just about as fun as having a kite.
Chris.
