Is this dream realistic?

[Bill Roosa]

Other considerations

If you go ocean cruising, you will spend 90+% of your time at anchor. With a good weather forecast and no schedule that HAS to be met you can choose when to make that passage and not get into those situations where you need additional help. Yes, you are accepting risk but the risk is in your hands and not being handed to you.
There are lots of books that cover this too.

I'd say as long as you can get the sails up you can go sailing. Just might not be doing it as fast as others.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I am pretty amazed that, other than the bow thruster mentioned by the OP, no one has mentioned docking. Not knowing the abilities of the OP, I must say that most all boat handling issues, on this an other forums, have to do with docking and the attendant difficulties experienced by the questions we receive.

The midships spring line is an essential tool, and I don't know if drh1965 knows it. Sure hope he does.

Given that, most folk's experiences seem to be that with the right planning and space most folks don't seem to experience too much of the "Wow, the boat's too big for me" syndrome.

One issue also not mentioned is draft. Bigger boats sometimes have deeper keels. Depends where you're going to know if it matters.

 

[seadaddler]

Not so big

Maybe not so big and how often you have guest on board do you really need the 45-50 which is not easy docking it a marina with wind and current.
I went from 29 to 36 and at first it was hugh to me when docking and turning in tight space but now two years later I back her in to my slip every time and people say I am an expert but it is pratice and doing it so many times I have a plan every time.
I went for demo sail on a 49 Hunter with truster and inmast,the sail was OK with two experienced sailors but docking was an all together different thing,I was invited by the owner so I could help out because his wife and family were not really able to handle the wind and current when docking,they lacked the experience.
I single hand my 36 many times but have been doing for many years,docking is the tricky part depending what kind of slip,when my wife is helping me she can get very nervous but is better since I told her her only job is to tie the bow line no matter what and I will do every thing else when docking and when anchoring she does the engine controls and I do the windless anchor,you need a plan and plenty of practice when handling a big boat with your crew, so I never depend on guest to know what to do in helping with docking,I have found out the hard way unless you do it with them and show them how it's done hands on they usually do it wrong and screw things up.
I am just saying a 45 0r 50 ft boat is a lot of boat to handle and every thing cost more the bigger they are and if you choose a full keel boat is even harder to handle in tight spaces.
Maybe 40 is OK and don't need the 50,some will say 40 or 50 is the same but every 10 ft is a lot more bgger when the wind and current is pushing it.
Nick

 

[Ross]

Re: Not so big

My wife is excellent at the helm but I won't ask her to go on deck to handle sails or to set the anchor. She does enjoy sailing with me. We designed the interior together and it fits us. We like to say that it sleeps two or three and can fed 4 and provide drinks for 6-8. The longest that we stay out without setting foot on shore is 2 weeks.
I was tell Nancy(my wife) about your plans and the size boat you are considering and of your wife's fears in your 28 and her response was that you will never leave the dock if the boat is too big for your wife.

 

[zeehag]

i didnt mention docking because when i went from 26 to 35 there was no big deal about it...the formosa isnt gonna get away too fast unless i am in a cross current then could get dicey--and docking isnt any big deal if you go slow enough and have well placed lines. and no cross current....LOL...

 

[Bill Roosa]

Docking, costal cruising, and lifestile

Given that you want to "get out and cruise the coasts" I'd say you are not going to get much practice docking at one place much. So general skills would be in order not learning how to dock in slip F5 were the current is.......

Coastal cruising is only one step removed from sheltered water cruising and one step away from ocean cruising so that would be a great "next step" Forgive me but once smitten you don't come back. Similar to the "my next boat" syndrome. It is always larger, faster, more stuff.... smitten Once you get comfortable with coastal cruising you are going to be wondering what Bermuda or the Bahamas or Hawaii would be like to cruise around. I'd err on the side of getting a boat that is going to allow you to "stretch" to these first forays into ocean cruising. FWIW

Lifestyle is an important part of the decision. Consider how often you entertain or would want to entertain or have another couple/crew on board and size accordingly