I'm not very good at introducing myself, but we have been cruising for more than 20 years, selling our beloved Watermelon in Singapore. We now cruise on a power catamaran.
That in introduction to my opinions. First, we sailed on many boats before buying Watermelon, a Jeanneau Sun Fizz back in '85. Without the other boats to learn on and pick apart as far as suitable for extended cruising, we probably would not have chosen the Jeanneau. And it is not a boat for everyone, far from it, but it was certainly right for us.
However, my point is that without experience, and three kids, you should be trying as many boats as possible before settling on buying. As too many "advanced cruisers
" smugly say, "you don't know what you don't know."
Now, for places to cruise for a month. It is your wife and children you need to be concerned about, IMO. When we headed down the East Coast of the US (from our starting point in Boston), the Chesapeake was the place that we had the most difficult time tearing ourselves away from. With all the comfortable bays and coves you will find it a safe place to cruise. With so many comfortable bays and coves, you can't possibly explore it all in two months. With the history of the area, you will find lots of shoreside activities for wife and kids. (though I must say that husband Peter finally dug his heels in about going to "one more" museum). The people are lovely, and you will have plenty of warning if a hurricane threatens.
