Next message: Ron Rogers: "Re: lv-ab: pointy ended boats"
I believe flat transoms are a convenience feature for mounting stuff (like rudders, backstays, etc) on the back of the boat. They don't contribute positively to the hull form vs. water resistance. However, many transoms rarely touch the water and so this can be a mute point.
The attributes of various boat types is kinda Ford vs. Chevy, 1969 vs. 1999. There are many good books and much deep discussion about it. By doing a bunch of research (read, talk, mail list, whatever your gig is) you will find a dozen or so boat types, designers and makers recur continually and positively. This can help define your choices. Note, though, Colombia produced about 1/2 the existing sail boats now on the water and while they are mostly adequet boats, some are really excellent - so you can't go by that particular brand name, but must dig a little deeper.
IMHO, you want to get a feel for the pool of "good" boats; but, in fact, most of us will likely never notice the difference of sailing qualities amoung them. We don't use and push our boats enough to find their sailing limitations. What you _will_ notice is whether you can fit your normal complement of people into the cockpit comfortably. Whether the cockpit seating has comfortable back rests. Whether you can reach the tiller or position yourself at the wheel comfortably. Whether you can get onto the foredeck easily or hop over the side onto the dock easily when you bring her in. Whether you can flip all the switchs to start the engine quickly and reach the controls easily. Whether the boat handles adequetly when you back and fill at the dock. Whether you can SEE AHEAD OF YOU from the helm position when docking. Whether you can stand up in the cabin and to a lesser extent in the cockpit.
The "good" boats have a number of important features involving strength and safety, but can vary widely on all the rest.
Have fun. Rufus
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