size comparisons,speed,etc..Jerry

The 36 is Phrf'd at 144, the 34 (1) is 174, the 34 (2&3) are 171. The 29 is 180. After looking at 34's, we went looking for 39's, but when we found a 36, it covered everything we were looking for. Plenty of portlight, light airy feel inside. in comparison, 39s and 34s felt cramped. We liked our 29 the best but wanted to go bigger, the 36 is legal liveaboard size, sails similarly but smoother (8000 lbs vs 11,200). Galley aft as opposed to starbd on 29. Offset companionway but a few flaws in some details that will be remedied: the cockpit drain for the 29 is straight out the stern and good for the amt of water you can get, the 36 has two little showertype drains on each forward corner of the cockpit and the bridgedeck that all go to one little hose system and out a throughhull under water., and the gauges, throttle, toggle switches I have to duck down to read all come out with the shifter through a window that is very close to the cockpit floor. I always want to check on it after a rainstorm. Then inside, the electricals are within a splash zone (on the 36). And then, thee are the inboard shrouds. Next; Some of our cal listers here in SF bay are very familiar with the ships like the Alma. You should take a trip to the SF Bay and spend a weekend looking at the "floating home" concepts that started back in the 60's, and what communities actually allow them.Some went so derelict, some got really fancy. There is a Marin county "code" for floating homes, as to size of first floor, to second floor. Many were built on cement barges which were very strong. There is a community of them in the south bay harbor where we keep our trawler. Then there are the real houseboats. My personal take on the floating homes which would solve many problems, is to put them up on the land, like a little trailer park, then power(they think they are houses) water and sewage would be simple. However, you can't beat living near the water. The delta here also has a life of its own. A houseboat won't sail, and you would get the willies if it did take off on you. My advice, get a 36, go into the rich guys harbor, sail it, live on it,and go low profile (and live longer). Be aware there are those out there that are salvaging and crushing these good old plastic boats as owners can't afford to keep them. Sooner or later, anybody wanting a boat will be paying for brand new boats if they can afford to. (and you in particular know that smaller boats won't even be able to find a slip). Let us know if you decide to visit the bay area...Helen (and Edward)