What to buy? Here is perhaps an idea.

[haffiman37]

There area lot of boat tests available, but mainly performed on a sunny day at the bay or in an exhibiton hall. When it comes to types and sizes there are as many opinions as owners.Yo make it a bit easier I have made a test report based on a 20.000Nm trip from Norway to Malaysia 14 months, in 2004 - 2005. You find it at my web page:
http://www.geocities.com/haffiman37
The page is a little low on band with, but have a litle patience and it works. If you do not have patience, mail me and I can mail the text print. The photos etc are at Yahoo Photos in 'haffiman37'

[polackrm]

There is an old adage that says "Better to have a smaller boat with money than a larger boat and no money". Just go out there and start walking the docks and talking to people, read whatever you can find and remember that most sailors are like most fisherman. WE ALL LIE. As you get more and more comfortable being around boats you will find what you like and, more important, WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD. Make sure that you get a survey, out of the water, before you buy and don't settle for what you don't want. If you settle you will forever kick yourself in the butt. Be cool, go slow, you'll learn and find just what you want. God bless, Bob
E29 Pegasus

[sailingdog]

As Larry and Lin would say... go small, go simple, go NOW.

I'd have to agree, that a small boat with money definitely beats a large boat without...and the costs associated with a larger boat go up very quickly with boat length.

Repairs, dock and mooring fees, haul outs, equipment costs, sail costs all go up as the boat gets larger.

A smaller boat can be a safer boat in some ways... since the sails are easier to handle, and the boat is also generally easier to handle than a large boat.