I'd agree with Graham Ebb's comments, with a couple of extra thoughts:
1. The water tanks relocated to the bow locker work well but ours syphon into the sinks if beating hard! Small plugs fitted to the taps solved this.The space now freed under the steps is big enough for a Waeco CF25 compressor fridge if you want cold beers when cruising! It's a nice thing when cruising.
2. Alternative engine option if the Honda BF6 -it's a bigger engine (but a twin cylinders so a lot quieter and smoother than the Tohatsu which I had on the previous boat)and it's also actualy an 8hp with a mechanical restrictor to the throttle movement which you can alter easily to allow full throttle access. It's a bit heavier (certainly won't fit in the cockpit locker) and Bill has to put a different moulding into the boat during build so you have to specify it up front. NB ask your engine dealer to give you a plastic fuel tank, as the standard tin one is too tall for the cuby-hole.
3. I've just retro-fitted the NASA BF-1 battery monitor which is great - tells you state of charge, volts and amps charging or discharging. Also I specified a slightly bigger 70Ah battery.
4. The standard ventlites above the galley and heads are great- keep the boat well-aired (even disperse steam if you forget the kettle!)and don't let water in so I don't think the optional opening hatches are worth while and they look a bit cumbersome.
5. We went for an Origo meths two burner stove - not gimballed but set into a fore/aft recess to the left of the sink. With the optional pan clamp it works really well and no worries about gas aboard.
6. I delisted the standard anchor and chain and got my own - a Fortress FX-11 aluminium anchor and longer chain - works well and is easy to handle.
7. The zip-in back to the sprayhood is really good for summer mooring - gives you some privacy, keeps the rain out but allows the air to circulate. You get the bonus of two press studs on each cockpit seat to hold the bottom of it down so we had matching ones fitted to a couple of small waterproof foam cushions to keep these in place when sailing.
Some of the fittings Bill uses are definitely selected on price (eg tiller extension, plasticky interior light fittings) so have a good look at options. He's happy to fit better kit at cost. We also got him to fit the mount and wiring for our Garmin 176C GPS/Plotter during the build - much easier!
The 235's brilliant - you'll have loads of fun! W've had ours in all winter and have had some great sailing from Dartmouth
Graham & Dianne Keating
235/22 'Gentoo'
Graham Keating