Thanks, BF! The first thread especially is a great read. Can you think of 30ish footers from that era, in that $12-30k price range, that don't suffer from "white knuckle syndrome" but which sail well otherwise? All I've really seen are twitchy IOR boats or traditional, sluggy Alberg/Pearson/Westerly full-keelers.
This is a five-ten year plan. Probably by the time we actually go cruising, the market will be flooded with modern Benes and Juneaus at bargain prices.
But darn, I love the lines on those 70s cruiser/racers. The new cruisers look ... extruded.
KH: Good info. And your boat is sexy!
The early 70s Albins certain fall in the burlier/less racy category. Kinda awkward belowdecks, low volume and dark. I gots no beef with roller furling, if you think it will survive storms and not add too much windage. Re masthead rig: I'm guessing the compliment will be myself (not a big person) and my gal, not much of a sailor (yet). Should we restrict the search to fractional rigs? I have this vision of me on the foredeck, trying to wrestle down a torn 350sqft genny or unstick the roller furler, while my GF helms in 30 ft following seas, saying "Which way does the tiller go again?"
This is not a happy vision. I know from climbing trips what fatigue can do to motor skills and judgment, and how that fatigue is amplified by ornery equipment or inexperienced partners. We called it "Guide Mode," when the ablest climber takes over almost all duties and decision-making, and it wrings you dry. We need a boat we don't have to fight too much.