What is too big
Well interesting stuff. I had a 32' Ericson sailboat for 20 years, then it became too small. I bought a 1989 Lien Hwa 47. Much like the Marine Trader mentioned earlier. Loved the boat. Perfect for me. 2008 struck economically and I had to sell her. I recently desired a newer version of the same boat but, its like looking for hens teeth. Offshore 48's in late 90's were too costly. Meridians, not my style. Gave up on the age angle and we are now purchasing a 1991 Californian 55. Besides the cost of purchase, berthing, and maintenance I am concerned that it will be too big for the wife and I. By the way, she is the one who wanted it over a Cal 48 we were looking at. For me, I wanted a nice galley with a full size frig/freeze. A dinette, large sun deck with wet bar, fishing cockpit, heavy davit for a good console dinghy, etc. It was really hard to find a boat much past the '80s like this. Everyone wants to go for a sedan but I don't want to sleep in the V berth. Too bouncy, too noisy, not enough locker space. I had been shopping for about a year. Finally bought an old boat, well maintained. Sea trial is this coming Wednesday May 16th.