Wow...what a difference a few years makes.
Thanks to Carib Sailor for waking up this thread. I forgot that I started it.
I shopped and researched for over 5 years. During this time, I also built an okume core / cedar strip kayak. At the end of October 2012, I finally pulled the trigger and purchased the first boat I've owned which does not fit in my garage.
I got a 1981 OC40
www.hankhinckley.com/ocy40_1.html
I've only been a boat owner for a couple months. My advice, based on 5 years of shopping is this:
If you can't afford a new boat, go for a high quality used boat. I'm learning all sorts of new things I just removed a 30-year old
holding tank yesterday.
FUN STUFF!