After much research, I am purchasing a Colgate 26. I have not sailed on one but everyone I have talked to that has one loves it. It has a very large cockpit, small cabin. It was voted the top pocket cruiser by Cruising World magazine I think in 1997. It is supposed to be very stable and easy to sail single handed. With a base price of around $26k (and that includes just about everything including sails, solar panel to charge the battery, roller
furling, etc) I think its a pretty good deal. Only need to buy an outboard and sailcovers (and a trailer if you want one--it is trailerable). It has a solid hull (not cored). And its a very good looking boat. Also, its the boat that Steve Colgate uses for his Offshore Sailing School to teach. You could always try one out at one of their schools. To find their web site to see the boat and specs (sorry I don''t have it in front of me) search on Colgate 26 sailboat or Offshore Sailing School and you will find it.
Rob