[olson34]

An Ericson 33 just sold in my area for about 23K... You ought to look around for a similar one.
An Ericson 32-2 would do everything you need and has a stronger hull-to-deck joint than many of the other production boats of that era or any other.

On your budget, a later model E-30+ would be a fine choice also.

 

[olson34]

No, specifically looking for a 30' from the very beginning, apparently a 8'6" beam, maybe not even put into production, certainly not officially listed anywhere.

There's a derelict one for sale a couple hours from me, I'll have a look when I get the chance.

Those are generally called the E-30 mk1. There is actually one in our YC, fully rebuilt and restored. Early Bruce King design. While it's a decent design for its era, I see no advantage over the later models.
Your money, your choices.

 

[olson34]

OK, great. Can you confirm it has actually got a 8'6" beam, not larger? That's much narrower than his other designs, and is (for me) its advantage.

I understand the later models were designed for coastal cruising more than offshore, perhaps a bit less robust construction?

I would respectfully disagree. By the later 70's and into the whole 80's, the Ericson's were engineered and built for open ocean use. I know of an E-35-2 with trips from CA to Hawaii and back, an E-32-3 with a roundtrip solo, and an E-381 with a roundtrip solo. And then there are the later 80's Olson 34's with multiple Hawaii trips. And the several E-39 and E-29 models that have crossed oceans.
Ericson was one of few builders to join their hulls and decks on the inside with roving and make a one-piece structure out of it.
Nothing wrong with liking a narrower vessel just for the esthetics, but the beam-length ratios of the Ericson's were intended for sailing offshore.
Of course there is a point on the graph where the wider boat get harder to push thru water and wind, but these boats are still near the center.
(Apropos of whatever, I once did a rough delivery on a 14 foot wide big Catalina against a stubborn ocean that was showing us "7 by 7" seas for a long long day. Forward progress was depressing but not hazardous. Just a frustrating day...)

My 34' boat, at 10 feet beam, is more comfortable in the ocean than the "ultra wides" currently being marketed to what I see as a second home market. :frown

All boats are compromises, so just be sure that you understand what any given model is giving to you... and what has been withheld.

Fair winds.

 

[olson34]

A suggestion considerably outside the concept box described by the OP:
At about 30' and desiring a strong boat, and adding in a lot of valuable speed and sailing ability........
Find a 70's Ericson 32-2, a late-70's Ericson 31C, an 80's Ericson 30+, or an 80's Olson 911S.


(Cranking up the cruising blasphemy machine three clicks!)