"Ended up concluding that I was looking for a boat that isn't made"

Amen to that!
I've concluded that for us "Ole Salts" the operative word is compromise!

Thus I'm down to the H16SE or the Nacra 500.
Agree that there are far more H16's on the planet and support is excellent compared to the Nacra BUT I'm interested in hearing from someone that has sailed both and can contrast for me if there are any significant advantages to the Nacra 500 over the Hobie that overcome the support and extensive network of H16's.

I must admit that the Nacra 500, in reading reviews of it, really appeals to me. Back when I was sailing cats the 5.2 Nacra's couldn't be caught by my H16! The 500 seems to be a nicely updated cat over the 5.2 - just not sure if the 500 is as "beach worthy" and capable of taking the pounding the H16 can take.

Thus, experience of others with first hand knowledge is welcome.

Jack