Tom Thumb design advice,opinions,and experience?

[Eastward ho 24]

So I'm a professional welder by trade. And I came across the Tom Thumb 24,26,and 28. I've been on Bruce Roberts website and I'm thinking of buying the plans and going for it. I understand that the steel hulls need to be primed and epoxy coated to protect the steel I think I can handle all of this. I've exhausted my google search read a little bit that is posted. Nothing but good things I've read. I'm on the east coast mid Atlantic I'd like to build this boat and do some extensive cruising in the tropics, with hopes of a circumnavigation or some ocean crossings. I know it's the captain and choosing weather windows etc. that makes most of the difference, however Does any one have any experience or opinions of the sea worthiness of the design? I'm thinking I'm gonna try to build the 28' model. Wondering the sea charisteristics and what type of payload I should expect with this little boat. I haven't seen much on the rig aspects either. And money is an option so I'm hoping to do this on a budget. What's the general opinion? Seems I have to buy the study plans to really get an idea of materials and price. Also think there's a difference in the 24 as compared to the 28? I have a 24 foot sloop now and was thinking I could use most of my rig sails, and hardware for the Tom Thumb so I might be able to save a ton of money if I go with the 24.