Most of the builders are out of business. What matters is build quality. Having said that, every builder screws up something. It would be nice to talk to the builder that built the thing but after 10 or 20 years and a few models down the line, they don't remember or have the same staff that built it.

My brother owns a 30 YO Tartan. On a couple of occasions they were able to supply custom parts that saved him a lot of extra effort (a water tank and a bow pulpit).

The builder of my boat went out of business and has been re-incarnated. They have been little help with inquiries. They seem much more oriented to selling labor than providing advice.

As for features on a boat. Unfortunately, comforts come with size. As a former live-aboard, the aft quarter berth-cabin, full nav station/office and separate shower were among my favorite features. The big nav station for all my toys. The shower doubled as a wet locker and storage area. Two separate, fixed berths are also very helpful - so one spouse can be reading in bed wile the other sleeps, etc.

There is an old adage in real estate - "Buy property while blood is running in the street". Perhaps a little too extreme but in today's market, hopefully you can find a nice boats for a good price.

Best of luck with your hunt.