Boats like the J30 and Express 30 simply lacked enough emphasis on
cruising

Fool, Express Yachts was founded by ex C&C people. The boat had an interior
that was far from cheap. Your only reference is the very early hull that you
saw for sale on the net and continuly refer to. I saw those pictures and
believe the interior was modified. I call a fast 30 footer with an oven a
pretty good "cruiser" I call a fast 30 footer that can sail upwind in 20kts
with a full main with only 2 aboard a pretty good "cruiser" I call a fast 30
footer with 5" cushins on berths for 6 a pretty good "cruiser"
The fact that Express fell by the wayside along with other high quality
builders like S2 and Olson means nothing. C&C has gone bankrupt more times
than most people can count. We'll see how long they last this time after
everybody that wants a 99 buys one. I think the 2 bigger models have already
slowed to next to nothing. Your comment that they are much better is pretty
stupid. Hell it's only 20 years later. What an idiot.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"Trains are a winter sport"