Hello,
For a first boat, a sloop, especially a Catalina 30, is a much better choice than a ketch. First off, as previously written, it's easier to learn to trim two sails than three. Secondly, it's much cheaper to maintain 1 mast (with all the rigging) and two sails, than 2 masts, 3 (or more) sails, etc.
Finally, if you do buy a boat, it will probably NOT be your last. It will be much easier to sell a common boat like a Catalina 30, than an older ketch.
There are many many good boats out there to choose from. Some common production boat in the 28-32' range include boats from Catalina, C&C, O'Day, Newport, S2, Tartan, S2, and a bunch more.
Good luck,
Barry
Barry Lenoble
Curragh, 1986 O'day 35
Mt. Sinai, NY
lenoble@optonline.net
Noble Prize
1986 Newport 28 <- For Sale