SNeuman,
The Alberg 35 is a great boat as far as a classic design. Not very roomy below but still liveable. I own an Alberg 37. Pretty much the same design except that the 37 has a keel stepped mast and the 35 is deck stepped. a fgew other things with the layout and then that most 35s are tiller steered and the 37 is wheel. I believe that most boats are pretty much bullet proof depending on their condition. The 35 was built by Pearson, a good all around boat builder and Alberg designed many classic boats for them. The 37 on the other hand was built by Whitby Boat Yards in Ontario, the builder of another great cruising boat. although very different, the Whitby 42 by Brewer.
I am a Great Lakes Sailor as I live in Chicago and some know what the Great Lakes are about and some don't and some ocean going sailors have said that they will never sail on the Great Lakes. My previous boat was '32 Jeanneau and let me tell you the feeling of comfort and safety between the two boats in heavy weather is incredible. I have also raced on a variety of boats and the A37 has a feeling that none of the newer boats have. It just has "I will get you home" written all over it.
Now here is the thing. The boat, if trimmed correctly will also put on a bit of speed. I was recently just day sailing when I started playing around dueling with a pretty new Beneteau 36.7 (no telling for the skipper and crew) but I easily passed them. As I did the skipper yelled out, "what is that?" to which I answered, "Alberg 37," and after a pause I added, "1967." You should have seen the guy's jaw drop.
So here is the thing, for coastal sailing I believe the 35 is a great boat for the money and for real blue water the 37 is fantastic. If you want to know more check out the floowing:
www.alberg37.org
and if you want to know about someone who actually lived on one ther is a book out called "If the Shoe fits" it is about a couple living on a 37 in the Northwest. It is pretty good and really funny.
Thanks,
J