[thefantasea]

"Is there anyone who could point me in a good direction in terms of preparation, and the type of boat / Equipment that I will need?"

If you spend the hours necessary to read each of the several thousand posts you find on this site you will develop a good understanding of what you will need to know, to have, and to do in order to accomplish the task you have set before yourself. Others who have done and are preparing to do what you propose have graciously shared their joys, sorrows, aches, pains, problems, solutions, and shortcomings so that the rest of us may benefit from their experiences. A wise person avoids learning the hard way; instead adapting to his own circumstances the lessons learned by others the hard way.

Good luck on your quest. Be diligent, thorough, and patient.