have given serious consideration to buying a bigger boat but since my
ego isnt tied to the size of my boat I decided against it. A bigger
boat will not go where I want to go. Even a 3' 10" draft is a serious
limitation for me.

That's a shame you can't live somewhere for a boat with a proper keel.
You have my sympathy...or more like pity.

I am probably older than you and certainly better educated.

Since I said I was 43 and you can't follow a simple thread, I have
serious doubts about the latter. Your boat with the shoal keel is even
slower rating a bit faster than a short rig Catalina 27. It's an awful
boat to sail.

RB
35s5
NY