I'm going to assume the Taipan is extremely fast, new and expensive - probably not the best choice for my first cat anyway! Maybe someday... I can always dream.

For me, speed is important, but so is stability and the ability to take a beating - ease of repair and low cash value in case of accidents are big factors with all the rock shorelines of the local reservoirs. On the other hand, I disliked the hobie 14 I tried because it poledived pretty easily... will that be as big a problem with the 16' in gusty winds?

Do you know if there would be a big difference between a 1982 16' hobie cat and a 1991 16' prindle?

You're absolutely right about the manmade reservoirs. I'm an east coast transplant (from New Hampshire originally) and it's very different to see these enormous reservoirs with clay or rock shores. But I really love it in Utah, there is virtually unlimited choice in outdoor recreation here, except ocean sports.

Any ideas where I could find used cat listings in Bear Lake? A local paper, maybe?

Thanks for the tips! I hope you have some good times with the Taipan!