[tevake]

Hey Afterburn, good on you, lets see some pics of your boat. We are all DIYers to some extent. And some do thrive in the throw them in at the deep end, school of hard knocks.
I bet you have learned some easy ways to make it happen, that you could pass on. that is part of what one can pick up in a class, as well as right of way, aid to navigation, boating safety, etc. Plus keep in mind that we are talking about learning in crowded so Ca waters.
the very thought shivers me timbers. the weather not so much, but the busy traffic, whooo watch out.
Kevin,
That precision 18 is a good looking boat, seems like it should sail nicely. All boats are compromises, this one gives up some cockpit space for a largish cabin for a boat of this size. Does this trade off make good sense to your use. But the proof is in the details, how well it is built, and layed out, quality of gear and hardware, etc. I've never seen one of these in person.
You should try to get out on any boat that you are considering. check out how easily it is to set up and rig, and launch.
Stay at it, you are headed for some fun.

Cheers Richard