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George, if it's any consolation, please know that picking even a 'good' boat (let alone the 'right' boat) is tougher than it first seems. Here a couple of things to noodle on...
First, you characterize boats by hull form & keel type as tho' that's the primary criterion or differentiator. It's a more complex puzzle than that and you are misleading yourself - IMO - by zeroing in on that one characteristic. You'll notice e.g. that all those hull forms are being cruised now and there seems to be no generic trend that one hull form is inferior to the others. Instead, what varies are the criteria of the crews/owners and to what extent a given hull form meets their own preferences. If there is any common denominators for 'successful' blue water cruising boats, it's probably a mix of an excellent design and high quality building practices...and there are examples of that in all hull forms.
Similarly, don't underestimate one 'hull type' based on logic alone; research it. E.g. you mention a Tartan 37 having the weakness of a 'moving part' (her centerboard). Before TIGGER did her Circle, the Ragles glassed the board up, they did your planned route, and never had a 'board' worry. That wouldn't have been my choice but it illustrates that ID'ing the right Q's and then seeking out data to develop the A's is the way to go.
FWIW I'd emphasize build quality and design suitability as your two prime criteria because you intend to do the African route, which can be really tough on boats. Depending on crew, I'd then think carefully about how short-handed the boat can be sailed and how functional the layout for supporting the crew at sea. I'd put keel shape way down the list...
Jack
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