I first owned a 1978 C30. I got tired of cracking my head on things and bleeding all over the boat (I'm 6'4" my wife is also tall, I threw the short ones back). We sold the 30 and a broker friend kept telling me that I had to see this 1983 C 36, so I finally did. Guy really needed to sell. I could stand up and lay down in it both, and got a very good deal on a plain wrap great old boat in very good condition. I've added my own new electronics and gear and still love it. Every once in a while I get a case of biggernewerboatitis, then I look at how much more I'd have to spend to get something significantly "more" than my boat, and I settle down in the cockpit with a tot of rum to get over it. And the old 36's have a huge advantage (for me) over the newer ones -- headroom. I guess they lowered the cabintop or something, but I can't stand up in the newer boats. I lust after the open transom occasionally, but my swimstep solution pretty much solves the problem. I also like the 34 over the 36, the extra two feet just make a difference. The 36 also weighs a bit more, which means it needs a little more wind, but in heavier wind and seas, she keeps her keel down. Also, an older boat cost less which covers a lot of slip costs.