Suggested 35'-50' for extended voyages.

[westsail374]

Read Lin and Larry Pardeys' advice and "Go small, go now." The earlier you start, the better physical shape you will be in and the fewer " necessities" you will require.

My brother and I set out in our 20s from MD for the Caribbean in a 2 year old Westsail 32 that really stretched our budget. A great year, after which we were broke. It has taken me quite a few years to rebuild the kitty to the point of leaving again for long term cruising, but that first youthful taste of salt never leaves the mouth.....

[MidwestRefugee]

Looks like we are refining our search. We are now focusing around the 40" size. We like center cockpit sloops but a ketch could work too. Now we just have to wait for the boat shows and of course walk around the marinas and see what is out there.
It will be a long search but hey, I kinda like looking at boats...

[JPA Cate]

Midwest Refugee,

Boat shows are good for raising your expectations and possibly some good deals on electronics pkgs.

In your price range, seriously, go small as you can tolerate, and best quality you can find. Every penny you save is more for the kitty. All costs will be less at 35-36 ft., and what you save in upgrading anchor and chain, etc., etc., will serve you well. Jim and I lived 18 yrs. on a 36 foot boat (29 ft. waterline), so I know you can have a good time in a boat that size.

Ann