Aspiring Sailor looking for tips on good cruising models.

[solidpeter91]

Hello friends.

I am looking into buying a boat in a good 10 years, so I have a lot of time between then and now for new trends in sailing to advance, but I am looking at getting exposure into the type of boat I should be looking at if I come across it.

My plan is to buy a boat and travel the world via oddjobs, savings (from a job I will have between now and then), and writing (or whatever, anything could happen between now and then).

I have gleaned a lot of the boating terminology while searching for ways to turn my dreams into a plan, but i am not too tech saavy with it.

If I plan to buy a boat, one that will need to support me for many many years and serve as a home, what should I look into?

I am not looking for an expensive boat. I would like to keep it under 50,000 if at all possible. Would this be realisitic?

What amenities should I look at? Solar powered items, food storage? What is a "must-have" for a life cruiser?

One added side question. I had a dream of one day sailing through the St. Lawrence into the Great Lakes back to my hometown Chicago. Would this be applicable (I am not sure if freshwater boats or saltwater boats can be use din both, etc.)?

Thnak you so much for your time and help =).

[sailingdog]

Considering that you're looking to sail the world... I'd highly recommend you look at a bluewater capable boat. There is a "sticky" thread which discusses a lot of the potential ones out there. Many are available for less than $50,000. However, I wouldn't worry too much about it at the moment, since you're not going to be buying for at least eight years. Start looking around in eight to nine years time. Until then, sail on as many boats as you can, so you can get as strong an idea of what you like, want, need, hate, can't stand, in a boat. That will greatly simplify your future boat buying decision...since it will help limit the boats you will consider.