For those of you who are familiar with sailing both a P16 and a P18 (old style,) is there much value in 'modeling up' if I principally sail solo? (I am 200 lbs.) Thank you.
Solo I would go P16. Easier all around. Way easier to push uphill or right. It can still be sailed like a bat out of hell with your crew out on the wire. They give me a good chase on my P18.
I bought the P18 so I could solo when needed. But it's the better crew boat. Easy to move with 2 people. Not that easy to right, still.
The decks on both boats are wide open and comfortable, unlike the P18-2, etc.
Anything about the P16 you don't care for?
I had no problem keeping up with 18 on a 16 single handing... Both boats are great for solo dialing... guess it depend on where you're sailing and the wind and if you're getting a screaming deal
My concern is crossing the Chesapeake. I'd like to do some destination sailing to the other side.
Stay with the 16.
If you were going to solo the 18 at your current skill level, I would suggest 1} a righting bag and lots of practice, 2) a furler for the jib to de-power on the water, and 3) someone to help you raise and lower your mast. The hinge of the 18 is on the side, which makes winching awkward with a sideways mast where the forestay wants to rotate the mast while pulling it up.
These three things represent a lot of work and funding. Your 16 has plenty of volume in the hulls and a proven design for ocean sailing.
Disclaimer- One of the small voices in my head doesn't want you to solo in the Bay. It's big. It dwarfs 30 foot day-sailers. Please carry a waterproof VHF radio, a signal flare, cd to use as a signal mirror, and a whistle ON YOUR PERSON, preferably attached to your PFD.
cd to use as a signal mirror
Led Zeppelin is the best CD to sail with!
PS All of Bob's safety comments get a +1 from me
MN3
Very detailed response. Thank you.