Scaling our hopes down to a more reasonable level, there are three brands that seem to offer a good combination of quality and seaworthiness; Tartan, Sabre and Caliber.  They are all good, solid boats that would seem to be great for coastal cruising.  The Tartan 34-2 is probably more in our price range, but it is possible we might find a 3500 or 372 that could work.  The one Sabre that could work would be the 34 foot Mark II.  The boat that has really caught our attention, however, is the Caliber 33 (and its younger sister the 35).

This is the Caliber 33 and it is an older boat.  Fewer than 70 of them were built and it was discontinued prior to 1990.  That's what makes it affordable for us.  We are actually pretty excited about it.

The fact that it doesn't have the canoe stern opens up more space for living and storage towards the back of the boat.  To get the double quarter berth in back, for example, you would have to go to 37 feet in the Pacific Seacraft.  The 35 is an update of the 33 with about the same dimensions in the interior and a "sugar scoop" transom added at the back.  We love that transom.  It offers a place to stand as you get into or out of your dinghy. The 35, however, is probably a bit beyond us.

Practical Sailor gave the 33 a pretty good review.  I like the hull design.  I like the skeg that protects the rudder.  I really like the engine access.  In so many ways it seems like this might be the right choice for us.

My biggest concern is the evidence of water leaks around the ports and some more significant staining on and around the cabin sole.  It makes me wonder if there isn't a problem with the stanchions.  They are simply screwed into the deck and it seems like that might be the source of the leaks.  The water is certainly coming from somewhere, and I've seen the same problem on a couple of the boats.  A good survey should be able to answer the question if we get that far.