[paulk]

IP''s have a reputation for being solidly built. They also tend to have huge interior spaces that are lovely for dockside living in Florida along the protected bays and waterways. The big interior doesn''t give you much to hold onto as you''re launched across the cabin by a wave. I would also not want to see the bowsprit buried (and ripped off ) in the back of a swell as the big, flat transom gets pushed from behind. Some people think IP''s are best left In Place.

Beneteau has built boats that have crossed oceans. Saint Brendan apparently made it across the Atlantic in a coracle, too. Most Beneteaux (like the mini-transats) would not be my first choice for such a trip. They often have ports, hatches and cockpits much too big for safety at sea. Beneteaux are generally very lightly built, and are more suitable for coastal sailing. Grab a rail and REALLY heave on it. It will bend enough to make you worry - at anchor - if it doesn''t actually break. Push against the furniture and fittings. Thin. Light. Hmmm.

Like cars, some boats after 10 years will be thoroughly worn out, used up, and ready for the scrap heap. Others will still be in fine shape when they''re ten years old. It depends on the builder. It also depends upon the design. Mercedes makes fine cars that last a long time. You wouldn''t pick one of their sports convertibles to go skiing ''back country'' in the ''rockies, however. You''d go with one of their SUV''s with 4 wheel drive. An ocean voyage is a lot like taking a car across a desert. Your life can depend upon the choices you make before you set out. Making the right choices beforehand can avoid much unpleasantness.

Overall, you''re asking the right questions, but there is a lot to learn. Some you can get from reading more. Books by Dashew, Gerr and Knox-Johnson would be good sources to start with. For other things, you need experience.
I had about 10 years experience sailing before I went transatlantic. Looks like you have time for some of that too.