RE: Just getting into it
Ron,
The two NIrvana's are the same boats, the difference being the radio that is provided with the boat. You can by a better radio for less than the price difference.
If you are dealing with Steve Lang at sailrc.com - you are in good hands, Steve is the master distributor for Nirvana's.
Another place you might consider is Harbormodels.com contact there is Dave -Phone 626.292.1617. He usually has good prices and good service to boot.
To learn more about Nirvana's, I suggest visiting rcgroups.com - sailboat section - then go to the Nirvana threads. Has over 115,000 views and thousand of comments. Fun thread - wide range of topics discussed - no better place to learn about this boat and what can be done with it and to it.
The forum also has a much more active sailboat thread, with discussions on most brands and classes of RC sailboats. Worth the time to check it out.
Winchaser