Hey Guys

Long time lurker 1st time poster.

I am getting very frustrated in my search for a boat.
I seem to be unable to break through the definition to the acquisition stage.
I have been seriously looking for 9 months and have pulled the cheque book out in the last 3 months.

I originally started looking at 27' such as the Northshore 27 but got caught up on the sea motion and size once it became apparent that potentially trips of 2-3 days with 4 pers aboard.

I think I have finally settled on the following specs:

Use:
• Twilights and Saturdays in Port Phillip (PPB)
• Crew likely to be short
• Social sailing in PPB either short or with a few guests
• 2-3 day trips in PPB and possibly Port Fairy, Refuge or Tassie.
• Needs to be faster than a Phantom 32 (also read as I like to have other boats in front when we cross the line so I know where I am going.)
• Available pen can handle up to 36'
• Purchase price of $70K

Comforts:
• Must have windlass
• Must have all lines to cockpit
• Must have wheel
• Must have self furler.
• Must have enclosed head
• Must have forward berth comfortable for people 5'10
• Would prefer:
o Shore power
o Fridge
o Press water
o Hot water
o Gas

So far I have looked at the following:

• SS 34 down below too dated
• Magpie 34 the one I looked at had too much work required but if I could find one that had minimal work then I think it could be a goer.
• Carter 33 Can't seem to find one that had forward berths and seats in the cockpit.
• Northshore 33 Modern and ticks the creature comforts not sure about the sailing suitability
• Cavalier 32 New to me look OK
• Jarkan 10.5 I know it's a CC but it has a good reputation.

I would like to stick to production boats as many of the customs (VDS etc) have very poor internal fitouts.

The prices of boats have dropped dramatically in the past 6 months and have bought boats such as the Northshore and Jarkan into range. I intend to sail this boats with an elder couple who deserve a little bit of comfort in what will possibly be their last boat.

I know I am trying to buy a champagne boat on a beer budget but I might be lucky.

Is their an obvious standout in what I have looked at or any obvious omissions?

Ken