Beneteau's look nice, but I heard they are not well built. Unfortunately they have a large part of the market, so there are plenty around. I like their Jeanneau (Sun Odyssey) line the best, they bought out that company about 20 years ago. The Europeans seem to have cornered the monohull market for a while now. For something between 30-40 feet, I like Sirius. If you are looking a little larger, then Amel are really interesting but expensive. Ontario used to have a very active industry, but that was long lost. I believe Gozzard is still making a few boats a year, and you might find some on the used market. They are more traditional style, not like the European vertical bow and wide beam far aft.
I haven't gone through the silliness, but I am thinking about it. They say the two best days in your life are the one when you buy a boat, and the one when you sell it.
I appreciate your comments and I will certainly follow up. I have also looked at the Sirius and like them as well. The Benetau I mentioned is a bit larger than I really need but she's roomy and well outfitted, especially for a live aboard. And it's parked not far from home so not a big deal to go take a look. A friend of mine has a Tayana 37 which I have sailed with her a few times and it impressed me both in terms of seaworthiness and comfort.
And yes, the day I bought my first boat, a C+C 35 which I had for 4 years while I roamed around the east coast US and the Bahamas, and the day I sold it were happy days. Although the day I sold it I recall having a long talk with myself promising not to ever forget how much I enjoyed sailing.
One of the nicest recollections I have is when you get out of the harbor, hoist some dacron, silence the kicker, and throw a fishing line over side while you pour a rum.
Have fun.