[Cruisingdad]

I just finished buying (Dad's boat, not mine) and I can tell you that finding a great boat is a challenge.

I would opt for buying it in FL or CA. I found, in general, the boats in CA were (again, in general) nicer and more cared for and over-priced. I found the boats in FL less cared for (assuming it did not sink... ugh) but better priced.

We bought a Tayana Vancouver 42. It would meet the basic needs you have descibed as a blue water boat - though it is an overkill for most of the gulf IMO. But it is a comfortable, well made long distance boat. It was the most cared for and babied boat we stepped foot on in.... I don't know, many, many months. We more or less bought it on the spot. Then the suprises came....

THought they were nothing that bad, all had to be taken care and we would not have gone cruising with them. As such, be prepared for a lot of repair work and problems to be dealt with... no matter what boat you buy. If you somehow do not have any problems, God Bless you and go for it. My bet is that you will.

The slippage in CA is in general nicer than FL and may be easier had. S Florida is high right now... if you can even get a slip. But there are a lot of yards and it is a easy place to get to know your boat with many islands to explore and let's not forget the Bahamas across the stream. That one would be a personal decision.

Not sure that I gave you advice... not sure I would be comfortable giving it. But I gave you our recent experience.

Good luck in your search and take care.

- CD

PS There is a Tayana Vancouver 42 in Ecuador or something down south right now. THey are cruising on it and will be selling it. It is a CC model and looks nice in pics. Obviously you would have minimum issues with that boat since it is already cruising. If you cannot find the link to it and are interested, let me know.