Narrowing the choice...

[surf1glide]

...to best fit the following:

. safe/seaworthy (bluewater)
.easy to manage (singlehand)
.adequate for liveaboard (comfort)
.tendency to be "trouble-free"

considering these boats - Alberg 30, Cape Dory 27-30, Bayfield 29, Nor'Sea 27, Liberty 28, with the intent of cruising leisurely, good offshore potential. Is one (or more) significantly better/worse in meeting the criteria ?

[mitiempo]

The Alberg and Cape Dorys are proven solid boats. The Nor'Sea 27 is a great boat but quite narrow to allow for trailering. All have proven themselves over long distances. The Liberty looks like a smaller Westsail and doesn't have enough sail area to move in a lighter breeze - a bit of a slug. The Bayfield has been sailed offshore but I am not a fan - others may disagree though.