Comments below:
"prodigal1" wrote in message
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wrote:
snip
-I am also looking at C&C 38 Landfall (nervous about older hull and
deck) and Freedoms in the 36' range (nervous about hull)

Get a pre-opec C&C and all will be good. As to the other stuff, you're
stepping up 2.5-3x the weight you're used to. Inertia! Respect it.
Any 15000lb boat that starts getting sideways on you in a crosswind is
not going ever going to be easy to deal with on your own. Nice boats?
There's tons. Old Allied Seabreeze's, not particularly quick but
beautiful and they'll take you anywhere. Hinterhoeller Nonsuch models
are built for single handing, are cavernous below and hold their value
very well. In fact any Hinterhoeller boat is worth buying.

Speaking of Hinterhoeller, you may want to look at the Niagara 35.
http://www.cymagazine.ca/onlineExclu...veKeyword=5 7
http://sailquest.com/market/models/niag35.htm
There will be one going on sale in my area soon as the owner has passed
away. Beautifully kept boat.

Another choice, for less money, may be a C&C 35 Mark 1. You need 5 or 6 to
race this boat but one or two can handle it easily if you are cruising.
Solid hull laminate but cored deck. I know it's older than you are looking
for but well regarded.
See: http://www.sailingworld.com/article....=397&catID=571
and: http://www.sailingworld.com/article....=397&catID=571
--
Ken Heaton & Anne Tobin
Cape Breton Island, Canada
kenheaton AT ess wye dee DOT eastlink DOT ca