ADVICE: Rawson 30 vs Alberg 35 (vs.?) =???

[OneLeggedParrot]

Hi. I need some help/advice on sailing/handling characteristics comparing these two boats

Rawson 30
vs.
Alberg 35

Alberg 35, at the upper limit of our budget
(16k USD):
https://bellingham.craigslist.org/boa/5613962047.html

The Rawson 30 (12.5k USD)
https://moreboats.com/boats/rawson/30/22482

I also found another Rawson 30 for about 1/2 the price of the above, a bit beat-up but decent otherwise, has steps up the mast AND the chain plates are all external -it needs work but the price is very good.

Both the above linked boats are very similar- hardly notice the extra 5' on the Alberg really (it has a bit more room inside; two 1/4-1/8 berths by the companionway vs. just the starboard one, and a bit more locker space before the V berth fwd). They seem very comparable, all else considered. They're also very close in all the basics, and comparably priced. I've looked them over and they seem like good, used boats.

We'd be doing mostly trade winds and blue-water.

Input?

[SF Bay Dude]

I singlehanded in a Pearson Ariel, which is a 26' Alberg design, and a little sister to the 35. Solid boat. So is the Rawson; maybe even more so - can't remember the specs. Are you tall? I'm 6'2" and will never go without standing headroom again. From the images, the Rawson looks in better cosmetic shape, which can be an indicator of many things. The Pearson looks a little tired on the inside. If you have to replace rigging or other parts, 30' is going to be cheaper than 35'. I love the deep cockpit and ergonomics of the Rawson + the high freeboard. I beat back from Puerto Vallarta to Morro Bay, and I was wet and miserable with the lower freeboard of the Alberg design.

Diesel, dodger… if it were me, I'd probably post on CF!

Only you can make the choice. Good luck!

[OneLeggedParrot]

Thanks.
So far I've only heard good things about Rawsons, as well as that they slipped between the cracks -matches my not knowing anything about them or even hearing the name for over 30 years!

I've also heard the Alberg 35's tend to hobby horse- and have a STRONG weather helm... that one has a small bowspit to help deal with the weather helm at least. But then it also has the Atomic-4 still in it. I've had those, and dealt with them for 20 years, and don't want to repeat those experiences.

That might settle that in itself I guess.