Taking the Next Step

[Juho]

You didn't give very much guidance. There are so many boats, and so many of them can sail round the world.

> Ocean Going:

Obviously you want the boat to safe and steady. There are many brands that are built with cruising in mind. You didn't mention speed as one of your key requirements. That leaves lots of space for picking any new or older (cruising, not racing oriented) boats.

> Comfortable: ... ... A big comfortable cockpit / saloon would be great

I don't need any large master cabin. Allocating that extra space for the cockpit, saloon and galley would be great for me. I like multiple cabins though, since the extra ones are excellent for storage, and occasional guests too.

My boat is a Nauticat. Their bigger models have a dinette in addition to the large pilothouse saloon. I wonder if you would like that kind of allocation of space.

> Single Handed: ... ... Simple sail plan and lines to the cockpit.

That may mean all furled sails (although some people worry about their reliability too).

> Budget is fairly flexible as well.

Reserve half of it for later use. Buying a used boat that has already crossed oceans and is well maintained by its loving owners could be an efficient path to a seaworthy boat.