I've been looking at a Sol Cat, a Hobie 14, 16, and a Prindle 15,16,18 and a Nacra 5.2 (but I think it is gone and most have been out of my price range).
It sounds like a boat without dagger boards and without a spinnaker might meet your fun-off-of-the-beach and budget requirements. All of the boats on your list with the exception of the Nacra 5.2 - it has boards - are in this category. The Hobie 14 would only be a good choice if you are exclusively planning on sailing solo. The Prindle 18 might be too large.
If it were me, I'd buy the boat in your list that was in the best condition for the price. I'd also probably give the Hobie 16 a little preferential treatment since it is such a great class. I might also add the Nacra 5.0 (now the 500) and Nacra 5.7 (now the 570) to my list - simple, boardless, fun boats. And the Hobie Wave and Getaway.
Geoff
