Seriously...
If you are new to sailing (or have limited experience with cruising boats), I'd suggest taking lessons on 30 foot or so sized boats. A Coast Guard Auxilary course is a good idea, too. Then take a few charter trips to see if sailing/cruising is really something you want to do long term and also to get a feel for what boat characteristics are desirable to you. Owning and cruising a sailboat is a lifestyle investment -- and it is a drain on your financial resources. Some thoughts on trailerable vs passage making boats... A true trailerable boat (26 foot or so is the upward limit) allows you to move easily between bodies of water. You cover ground on the road and enjoy a variety of locations for a weekend to several weeks on the water at a time. The trailerable boat can be left in your driveway between cruises saving lots of $$ on slip fees, etc. This works well if you have a home and want to takes periodic trips and return. People can sail a small boat to the Caribean, Keys, etc, and there are web accounts of MAC26 and Hunter 26 trips on the web (Google search for sites). You pick your weather and have a sound sail plan with contingencies -- same a when sailing a larger boat. Another advantage of a smaller, trailerable boat is that the sails and other gear are smaller and less costly, and the systems are much simpler and can likely be maintained by the owner. Of course you give up the comforts of a larger cruising boat. If you are planning a long term cruise with intentions of living on the boat, a larger boat is probably more desirable. It is not going to be readily trailerable -- and if it were, you would be sinking a lot of your sailing $$ into the trailer and tow vehicle. Plus, you'll need permits and maybe a special drivers license to tow such a large rig. Boat shipping companies are available to move your boat when needed. This way you get your large boat moved by a professional without having to purchase and maintain a trailer and tow vehcile. Offered as food for thought... Tom
