Update 28 Jan 2015
Sorry for not updating earlier but it's been a busy start to the year.
I visited the VDS40 and spent about an hour or two aboard, talking to the owner (a well-sailed individual with many a fun story to share) for awhile before he left us (I was there with a friend who recently picked up a beautiful twin-hull from Tunisia or someplace like that) to get on with our preliminary inspection (I had the professional inspectors lined up if I decided to go ahead).
I had two questions to answer:
- What condition was the vessel in?
- Would it suit my intended liveaboard plan?
Despite her age the vessel was in great shape. He'd kept up with maintenance, had photos from when her hull was last lifted and painted etc. There were a few rust spots, and I wasn't thrilled at the condition of some of the thru-hull areas, but nothing major as far as I could tell. We were able to lift up the boards wherever we needed to and that was a big help.
However, and sadly, there was no way I could consider her as a permanent or semi-permanent home. There was just not enough space. One head/shower and a large berth in the bow, and two independent berths at the stern. Mid-section was the usual saloon/lounge, galley area and navigation table layout.
I came home and spent a day or two trying to make the space work for me, but it just wasn't happening.
Have posted some photos below. Thank you to everyone for the advice, suggestions and encouragement.
Ta!