Thank you for all your replies, it's good to hear your opinions. I guess you've just confirmed what I was thinking but OH had worries that they would be "worn out". Having said that, he is good at DIY and engines so will be well able to maintain and modify the interior of such a boat. The main thing for me is it will be ready to go and we can change things in the fullness of time once he has retired next year. It won't be a live-aboard, but for long cruises all year round and my only definite stipulations are a pump out toilet and less than 58 feet!!
Now just to find such a boat.......