Don't rush the process. Don't try to jump into focusing on a specific builder. You need to look at a lot of boats before it will be ready to choose the one. With each boat, think of what you like and don't like about it. I'd recommend starting a list or even spreadsheet of the boats you're observing. Then at some point you'll be able to say, these are the features I want on my boat. These are the preferred and these are the absolute that if it doesn't have it's a deal breaker. Only at that point will specific builders become relevant and start getting most of your attention.
Going through this process is what will take you from scatter shooting at boats that are totally different and if you like one you probably wouldn't like the other. This is also a couples activity. You'll have different preferences. I don't know if you've ever bought a house together but this is the same plus adding in many complications because it's also a boat.
At least right now I'd have two columns forming in my head and probably on paper too and that's "likes" and "dislikes." Not brands, but features. Not the features in absolute form, but features as to how they meet your requirements.
Also, question those requirements along the way. One that can be argued infinitum is single or twins. Decide if that's important to you and, if so, why. Be honest with yourself and deal in real facts. For instance, we choose twins, but many of the arguments for and against them are lacking. Are they more safe for long journey's? Maybe slightly, but singles go around the world all the time. Ultimately, it's that we personally like twins for handling and security and for the speeds we want. So that's all that matters, but we can't offer some great defense of twins and certainly don't suggest they are a requirement for everyone. They aren't. They're simply our preference and we have no obligation to defend it.
Things like galley up or down. Three choices-up, down, and I don't care. Don't go with your initial impulse. Get on boats. Think of how you'll use the boat. Look at the tradeoffs. This argument reminds me of the huge on in homes right now between enclosed and open kitchen. Many people feel very strongly in each direction.
Be careful of those you allow to influence you in this search. They may be applying their own prejudices and not thinking of your requirements. If they use language like you don't want brand x, they're all junk, then they're probably lacking in objectivity. I do not know a single brand about which I would make such a statement. Not even those I like least. Every boat out there has pluses and minuses. If people give you answers in absolutes, be careful. There are no absolute's in boat selection.
We're on the loop right now and the boat we're on would be wrong for 98% of all loopers. Too big, too fast, not economical, wrong styling, a hundred reasons, but perfect for us. Still, we would never try to influence you in the direction of what is right for us. And, today, we'd never attempt to tell you what boat to buy as we do not know enough about your likes, dislikes, and requirements. We don't know because you don't know yet. That brings us back to the process. You're early in it. Don't take shortcuts. Go slowly and learn. Take all the time it requires.
