Strongly suggest that you check out Gozzards ---semi-custom made cutter-rigged monohulls made in Canada---I too had narrowed my choice to Tayana, IP or Gozzard--passed on the Tayanas because of
teak decks --chartered an IP ...it was OK but ....---looked at and finally bought a Gozzard---well made, open
concept interior with good ventilation and
storage, faster than an IP, well designed for
bluewater cruising (modified
full keel, skeg
rudder, 4ft 9 inch draft)--from your perspective the fold-down swim platform is ideal for swimming from or easy access to dinghy), many, many little extras, excellent personal
builder support,
price, maintains its value really well ---not a lot but enough of them on yachtworld to give you a wide choice in
price, age or size---owned mine for 10 years, sailed from
Vancouver to
Mexico...still no regrets.
Just my 2 bits
PS: I concur that you should look for a true
cutter rigged
boat no matter which brand you buy---gives you many, many options when the
wind picks up....tho' probably not a club-footed staysail (takes up too much foredeck space and is IMHO a dangerous
deck sweeper); a loose-footed
furling staysail that self-tacks on its own track is wonderful.