If I were taking the wife and kids, or just the wife and visiting friends and family for an extended period of time, like years. I would get a big Cat. 50 something, with the four state rooms, the big salon, the four private baths etc. etc. the stability, the quick passages. You can't beat it. I've been sailing around and living on my 28 foot racer cruiser for well over 20 years and it's great for me and one other adventurous soul, but for the landlubbing counter parts, you can't go wrong with a Big Cat. It just cost's a dang fortune to buy, and slips are like double. But, if you anchor out and cut corners in other areas, it can be done. People are doing it so there's the proof. Now, on a budget more realistic to most of us. My second choice would be a big double ender like a west Snail or something, big and safe in a big sea and high winds, roomy, ya know. Forgiving. Again, this is for the extended comfy off shore cruise guy's. Not the round the bay, fast, gadget, coastal dudes with boats that are great new but crap in a decade, with out a total systems and structural out fit. Many people here will say how much they love there Catalinas and Hunter Passages. I don't buy it, but to each there own. My boat is 47 years old and in better shape than new. I know of some 30 year old west sails in the same shape as mine. Thick, hulled, tough, over sized well planed rigs from the Chain plates up. That's my penny's worth any way's.