Hi Pete,
I'm very pleased with "Seatern"... look at my blog (
www.seatern.org.uk ), in particular the "equipment summary" and "1st year assessment"...
Thoughts extra to what you'll find in the blog...
As Julian Swindle has said, whether it's right for you depends on your type of sailing. I sail single handed most of the time so the small cockpit is not a problem. It's fine for two people but more starts being a crowd. And I use the forepeak as a forward hold rather than somewhere to sleep. For extended trips one person sleeping on board is no problem; I think two people would manage OK for a weekend or so but for longer trips a BC23 would probably be better.
The wood epoxy build means it's possible to specify build options like the internal bulkhead; and after it's been delivered it's possible to cut holes (within reason!) and to screw things into it. The down side is the much longer build time compared to the grp hulls. You have to be patient to get a BC20!
Paul Knowlton's boat sounds to have some improved features compared to Seatern - the Aero Luffspar and the ballast pump connections for example. I did try to use a Torqeedo outboard, I really did, but it did not provide the power I needed and am now pleased with my 6hp Tohatsu. I'm using a 100Ah lead acid battery rather than Lithium but, having discussed with Matt, have offset the 25kg weight by inserting a suitable sized buoyancy bag in the aft ballast tank. So when the tanks are full the battery does not contribute weight to the boat.
I think roller furling for the mizzen is a big improvement - I think Matt should offer it as an option.
...but have a look at the relevant bits of my blog. If you have questions on what's there, or can't find anything you'd like to know, then please ask me.