My absolute favourite design is Tom MacNaughton's Sovereign 30. For me it ticks all the boxes for size and construction as is strip plank/epoxy which is super light and strong. I like the flush decks and the space it provides.
Everyone has different idea's when it comes to there "ideal fitout" and what "gadgets" are installed, it's definitely a personal matter and you can listen to what other's have to say about what they can live with or without but you have to live with it.
When fitting out Jahmindi I was involved in another project building a Martz 46 and I was heavily influenced when making decisions regarding equipment for living aboard. A lot of things are certainly not needed but from passed experience I like certain things that add to the whole living experience, like an electric toilet and hot water. If your living aboard full time, showering from a bucket is not much fun not to mention heating water on the stove! Some people are happy doing this forever, I don't envy spartan life! If you don't have to why do it when good quality, simple systems can be in place. The fact why people have trouble with there gadgets is BAD INSTALLATION!!!
I installed on Jahmindi a lightweight 6kg capacity twin tub washing machine, some may laugh but it saves a fortune on laundry costs and lugging bags all around towns your unfamiliar with and wasting precious time and it really does work an absolute treat!!
One thing with a live aboard is you can utilise much more space as less berths are needed.
I would never purchase an older boat with lots of gadget's and stuff that adds weight and compilation etc, Scary!! Because I have done 100% of the installing and the fact it's all new, have confidence in what I have done and I can fix everything! Which is a very important factor.
Dont get me wrong! Even though I have a laundry facility, I am a firm believer in quality, lightweight and simple is best.
As for a steel vessel they are a good choice as long as they were built and painted properly in "QUALITY" materials you have nothing to worry about, actually less so when at sea!
Its certainly an interesting subject as it raise's many different perspectives! Well Im off to do some laundry :)