[PBzeer]

You should also be looking into a place to berth it, and what that will add to your budget, as there aren't many choices (basically Seward, Whittier, and Valdez by road access). As you're in the Interior, especially if you're closer to Glenallen than Fairbanks, Valdez might be your best choice (though I don't know about availability there). That would position you between Prince William Sound and the Inside Passage.

Some other things to keep in mind are that you'll need substantial ground tackle and good navigational equipment/skills.

Hopefully some of the experienced AK sailors here will chime in with more specific info that I think you'll find just as helpful as advice on boat choice. Best wishes on fulfilling your plans.

 

[PBzeer]

In your opinion will a bareboat class/certification be enough to sail up the inside passage?

I can't really give you an informed opinion on that, as I don't have any real experience with either the class or the IP. What I can tell you is that despite 3 summers of sailing on lakes (a 26 footer), I made a lot of mistakes when I first started cruising. It was more a matter of lack of doing, than a lack of knowing how. And you'll be in much less forgiving waters than I was.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade. I'm just trying to be sure you're aware of what you're getting into. You might also want to start a new thread in General Discussions, as many people don't really go to the Intro threads. I know we have some AK sailors here, but perhaps they haven't seen this thread.

Oddly enough, I took an online quiz the other day about what state I should be in, and it said I should be back in Alaska (my homeport is Copper Center).