Even a NEW boat needs to be maintained.
I've only had the '83 H34 for nearly three years. I've done some work to it, but it hasn't been a maintenance hog or a money pit. The problems we've had were mostly due to a lack of sailing experience. Hopefully, as we become better sailors we'll have fewer problems.The iron keel isn't nice to look at out of water, but, it's now over 20 years old and looks like it will last another 50, perhaps more. The few leaks our boat has amount to less than a quart a week. I've been tracking them down one by one, but I'm not very concerned about them.I recently purchase a folding prop on ebay to replace the fixed 3-blade prop. I'm told it will reduce a significant amount of drag, and will reduce weather-helm while pointing.Overall, I'm quite please with the H34. It may have not been the best boat of its time, but I think there was very little (or nothing) quite as good for the MSRP. Even today, it's still a bargain at about $30K. Considering that we paid substantially less than $30K for her three years ago, I think we did well. That's my $0.02.I suggest you sail them both, then buy the one you like based on all the factors mentioned by most of the responders. I would ignor Daryl's comments, as he tends to see the glass half empty (and cracked) rather than half full. ;^)~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~