[sgraves]

Jack and Jeff, thank you both for your kind and thorough advice. I''m glad I asked the experts.

You have guessed it correctly: I am not an experienced offshore sailor; simply a determined novice who wants to get out there and do it. It will be an open-ended jaunt, indeed... we are two guys with moderate savings and an itch for adventure.

After scrapping the "Pacific Mexico" idea as too ambitious and then selling the Cal 20, we thought we might find something in the $6000-$8000 range and spend another $2000-$3000 on modifications, maintenance, electronics, supplies... whatever we need for the long haul. I''m hoping to buy something in Florida, and will be out there next week to start shopping around (I''m in San Diego now).

I take your advice seriously and once again thank you for your time and expertise.

Simon