Define cruising? Bahamas, or Samoa?
The boats that will take you comfortablly down Van Sant's trip through the thorny path, won't take you around the capes or through the roaring 40's. In general for a cruising boat you want to look at the following. Stability and strength of the rig. Coastal sailors run for cover, blue water sailers trim the sails and face the music. Storage, tankage. Do you carry enough water (water makers break down) and enough dry storage for food to take you comfortably between landfalls and in the Bahamas places to resupply? This requires more storage than you might think. In addition to food you need engine spares, sail repair, tools, maps (don't rely completely on electronics), foul weather gear - this should have a place to hang when wet. Books and music are 2 very important things for me. Sea berths. Most modern production boats (and I include 88 in modern) lack a decent place to sleep while heeled at 15 degrees. Round dinettes look great - and are great at anchor, but don't let the off-watch crew take a nap. If you are counting your quarter berth as storage, then you lose that sea berth. Overhead grab rails below. Can you get around the boat in heavy weather and be secure?
