Wow this thread is really hot. Let me recap what's happened this weekend...

thursday i went to see a H16, 1976, no soft spots, used as a racer, garaged and babied by a old guy who eventually died, and the people i bought it from got it from a government auction after the guy died. They got brand new rigging for the whole boat, new harnesses, tramp, etc, and 1984 Olympic edition sails in great condition. The couple only took the boat out once since they bought it, back in february, but the husband works long hours and the wife is occupied with a 4-year-old daughter, so no time to sail the boat. All that going for 1650.

Then I went to see the Nacra 5.0 in Miami. Yes it's a 1998, but it's been a rental since it was bought, and the boat looked very abused. duct tape was everywhere, lots of repair to the hulls, everything very scratched up, etc. I didn't bother to see the sails, because I knew this boat was not in good condition to sail comfortably. It was really disappointing, because if this boat were comparable in condition to the 30-year-old Hobie 16, I would go with the Nacra. Unfortunately, this is the only Nacra 5.0 or 500 i could find in the state, so it was the only option.

I knew I would have lots of fun with either boat. I think what we're dealing with is a great boat and then a greater boat. even if the Nacra is in some -or even all- ways better than the Hobie, I'm still gonna get my fill and thrill on either boat. A few of you guys have said I can't go wrong with either boat, and that's the philosophy i kept in mind when looking at different boats.

So what did I do? the verdict: I went with the Hobie 16. The Nacra 5.0 was just not in good enough shape... I wouldn't have been comfortable with the buy. The seller even offered to give it away for 1800, but money can't buy me love. All I need is a reliable cat that will give me lots of fun on the water, and, in my situation where there weren't several options (financially especially), I went with the most practical choice that gave me the most peace-of-mind that I made a good, solid purchase that I wouldn't regret.

I'm going over tomorrow (tues 7/11) to pick it up! i'll get some pictures up here when i get it over to the beach and in the water, which is where it yearns to be. =)

Thanks everyone a billion times for the invaluable info!!! I couldn't have made a more informed decision without all the help. Without the responses to this thread, my decision would have largely been a blind one. If you're a big Nacra fan and you're a little disappointed that I went with Hobie, I hope you realize that, before this thread, I never had the great opinion of Nacras that I have now. Thanks for illuminating the other options beyond just the Hobie 16. And if you're a Hobie fan and you're glad I went with the H16, I'm proud to be part of the club! I can't wait to get on the water and see how this boat sails, especially after all the praise that has likewise been bestowed upon the classic Hobie 16 design.

I'm a believer that ambivalence is truly a fact of life, but your comments made this decision fun and rewarding, not frustrating and confusing. I'm sure I'll have some more questions with rigging and trailering the H16, so I'll be back when those pop up! thanks again!!!