Narrowing boat prospects

[scottandtami]

We have been doing lots of boat shopping for a economical 30-35 foot boat for liveaboard. We narrow it down and then 3 or 4 new boats pop up so we are looking for advise. Our front runners are a Catalina 30 which we feel has a great mix of sailability for light offshore cruising (day trips to Catalina at first and longer trips in the future) and a very well laid out cabin plan. There is also a Morgan 33 that my only concern with is when I laid down to check the comfort in the v birth we noticed that there was light radiating through the hull as it had appeared the anchor chain had rubbed of some of the interior coating. Looking at Columbia 34 and Ericson 35 as well. There is also a Laguna 30 but it has a shallow draft 4ft and light displacement 8700# so I am Concerned of it's stability. If i go with the Laguna it may be a better choice to go with a Hunter 30. Obviosley I am confused. My first choie is simple and would be a Pearson 323 but it may be a little out of our reach.
PLEASE HELP.
All opinions welcome!

[rgscpat]

What boats in this size range have you sailed on so far and how did you feel about them? You can probably find some of these models in smaller company charter fleets. If you do get serious about longer trips, then you'll probably want to emphasize the seaworthiness and equipment more; you might decide that something like the Hunter 30 is also a little too "light" for you. What are the model years/ages of the boats you've been looking at and your budget range?

[mitiempo]

Whatever boat you pick, there is nothing wrong with seeing radiating through the hull. Except for the gel coat the resin is translucent so it has no bearing on strength.

[CaptainForce]

I'll second that lack of concern for seeing the light. If it troubles you apply a little interior paint, but it is not a structural problem. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

[scottandtami]

Thanks for the input. Looks like it's down to 4 boats. 1)Peason 323 2)Ericson 35 3)Morgan33 4) Catalina 30
Any input on coparing these 4 would be helpful.
Thanks for everyones input.

[cardiacpaul]

I'm not being snarky but...
you married? wanna stay married? take the wife.ask, no, really ask her which one she likes.... buy that one. there isn't a "big" difference (performance, maintenance, comparably) between any of them so, take the wife.

[Jeff_H]

While I agree with CP, assuming the wife does not hate it and all were in roughly equal condition, the Pearson 323 would be my choice hands down.

Jeff

[scottandtami]

Thanks again to all. You can be sure the wife has been there every step of the way and has contributed much input and will allow me to decide on whatever boat she picks.

[SeaFever2000]

Scott,

I second (third?) the P323 choice. Also, if you find one, look at the Pearson 10M. There are not a whole lot of them. They are one of the best Bill Shaw designs and very roomy inside. If you find one that has re-powered the Atomic 4 to a diesel, all the better. I own one and just re-powered to a diesel this year...

[QuickMick]

As cardiacpaul mentioned.... you may be the captain.... but she will always be admiral