[c172guy]

The most important thing to do is match the boat to it''s intended/actual use!!! If you are going to do mostly coastal a light beamy boat with a big cockpit!!! If you are going to sail to Alaska a heavier boat with a smaller cockpit. Here along the gulf coast a lack of wind is more of a problem than too much wind. Shallow water begs for shoal draft. It is hot so a large bimini covered cockpit is a big plus. You get so much more boat for the money buying a coastal boat that unless you have firm plans to sail to Tahiti I''d lean in that direction. Of course the few times that I''ve been in San Francisco would make me buy an entirely diferent type of boat for there. A diesel fueled heater would be a high priority.
Be honest with yourself about your plans!!! I''ve seen too many heavy ocean cruisers in small lakes.