I believe that the "need" is in my head.

Just got back from looking at two boats. The larger of the two was a late 70's vintage and was in need of a bit of exterior TLC, was not a total basket case like some of my previous purchases. It turns out to have the original sails that the owner fessed up to "should be replaced". The diesel started and ran fine. The shore power was obviously an after thought, the breaker panel appeared to be a retrofit, never intended for marine use. Pretty much this was a series of peaks and valleys.

The smaller was the well equipped one, it needed a bath and the hull needed to be waxed. The exterior teak needed some attention, but that is one of my favorite projects. Down below was very nice and VERY stock. No strange additions from Home Depot, everything was in great shape. Diesel has 496 hours. Bimini top was decent. Sails are 2008. Cockpit was roomy and comfortable. Harken hardware, spinlock rope clutches, Raymarine wheel pilot, knot, depth, binnacle compass. I believe this is as well kept and well equipped as I would want in any boat. I also did some poking around and find that the price is below similar models on Yachtworld.

A third boat was immediately crossed off the list after a brief (very) discussion with the broker who gave the low down on the moisture issues in the deck, cabin sole strange cracking and the A4 being laid up for at least 2 years now.

Next step is to bring the admiral into this mix.