Adding to my above post, bought our first, a Hunter 28 in 1999 two years after retirement to see whether we liked it; and did. Decided a bigger boat would make extended cruising more comfortable, so went on the prowl for a H40.5. Found a rough live aboard with all the goodies in Lake Union, so the admiral and I went to check her out. While there, a P42 sister boat was a couple of slips over and just coming out of charter. After checking her interior, the admiral said if we're going bigger, this is the one I want. Of course dear.
Awhile later the broker called to let us know a 1991 P42 had just come on the market from Semi-ah-moo. John Lund and I drove up to check her out. More than we wanted to spend, but very nice, lightly used and fully equipped with Genset, heat pumps, etc. Before we could get serious the seller took the boat off the market; this was late 2001. Did more searching, but no P42s in the region.
During our searches we attended boat shows, looked at several different boat brands, visited numerous marinas to check out boats, but kept coming back to the Hunter brand. Well built, attention to detail, strong and roomy.
By chance I called the broker in early 2002 to see whether the seller had changed their mind, they had and highly motivated due to a medical situation. Made an offer, worked through the details and took possession in March 2002. Since then we have cruised Belle-Vie thousands of miles all over PNW waters year around with many two plus month cruises under her belt. Fast, stiff and very comfortable. Made a few alterations to make solo sailing possible/easier, but all in all no regrets.