The Hobie 18 is arguably the best beach cat of all time. Other than a F18 which is a completely different boat, can you give an example of a Nacra that would be a better choice?
The nacra 5.8 is a great boat that smokes a TheMightyHobie18 any day. Also the Nacra 5.2 is an option. That is what I sail and I love it. Light enough to be handled by one, but enough floatation for two or even more. Both out perform a TheMightyHobie18 and are lighter than the tank 18.
Now in defense on the TheMightyHobie18, it was an amazing boat when it came out and built really tough. They had tons of floatation and could be a party boat. The sail plan is powered up and from my two rides on one I would say that it is one of the easiest 18 foot boats for one person to sail.
But don't lock youself into Hobie, look at other boats.
Once you go cat you never go back!
Nacra 5.2 (Elsies)#1499, running an inter17 spin!
The only TheMightyHobie18 that I know of for sale is owned by Jim Sohn @Jims Sailing Center in Des Moines. Its not that old,(like 2002), he got it from Australia if I remember correctly. The details are a might fuzzy. His phone# is 515.554.0680 Good Luck!
