We thought you might learn from their voices of experience. Mostly to owners. That is rather easy to do these days, thanks to browsers and the Internet.
Boat shows are another good forum.
You will be amazed how many of the clustered crowd around a boat are current or former owners in the mood to be sympathetic and knowledgeable critics for you to corner. But, to be fair, challenge the builder to respond to any hearsay negatives. There may be a good response that you should be aware of. Do not be the first to jump on board. A good design ages and mellows with years.