It is also critical that both partners love the boat. "Happy wife/happy life" as Jeff Allen says. On occasion the Better Half isn't heard -- I mean really really heard.
I met a couple who lost their trawler in Hurricane Ivan. He found another that was spectacular -- just what he wanted, so he bought it. She hated the boat. Loathed would not be too strong. You see, she said "no" and "not that boat" but he didn't hear her.
The captain thought she would come to love it as he did. After all, she loved the first trawler. But she didn't, and she never would.
The lady, South American, lived to cook for her man and her galley was horrid. Absolutely the worst. To open the oven she had to step out into the passageway. There was no counter space (couldn't roll out a pie crust!)
Each meal was served on the aft deck. That's up three steps from the galley, out the side door then up two more to the aft deck.
When she looked out she saw the inside of the side deck -- it was white.
Captain Mike didn't hear his wife. And within a year she was in a condo and the boat was for sale.
Would they have been long term cruisers? I cannot say for certain, but that galley was never going to please her. And there really was no way to fix it --
I was sad for them both.
Another friend had an Atlantic44 -- similar set-up and Tessie loved her boat. She and Ted entertained on the aft deck regularly (and she's a great cook!) ...
Though the boats are similar one was loved and the other not. Each of us is different. That's why so many boat builders exist: to fill niches.
Still, if a person has zero boating experience I advocate buying a "Starter Boat" versus the Last Boat that is craved. The learning process is better served by a Ford Escort rather than a Mercedes Benz. The mistakes made on a $10k boat are better "swallowed" than on a $100k (or more) yacht.
And time spent on a smaller inexpensive boat will allow refinement of what is important. Follow the $10k starter boat with charters of more appropriate boats. Then zero in on what's critical for your happiness quotient.
The learning gained by that 10k boat will well serve you in the larger boat. You'll learn first hand about bilge pumps, wiring, plumbing, navigation, electronics and more. All from a platform that you can sell tomorrow without taking a financial licking.
It's also best in my opinion to have a Way Out -- and it is easier to like something if you know you have a choice. A Starter Boat offers that Way Out; she also offers a big step forward in the process of becoming an Old Salt.
Plus of course Survey, survey, survey.
And imagine yourself either at anchor or docked. Most time-wise of your boating will be done in a stationary position. Make sure you're comfy when stopped.
Like others have said, buy the boat today for the use you'll make of her this year and next. There's no need to buy a Blue-Water, displacement hull, long-range cruiser first. You need to know what pleases you most.
As for me, I like coastal hopping, and short days. Long days at anchor, and relaxing. It's not about distance traveled nor about bragging rights for the fastest boat. She's not fancy -- Seaweed is a boat. And for me, that's perfect.
Others prefer the Yacht ownership. The Wow Factor, and such. Although at times I yearn for a bit more Bristol (fancy) finish, for me, Seaweed is home. She's a bit rough around the edges at 31 years old and has served me well as home for the past six years. With a few more improvements she'll be almost perfect.
Oh, and one more thing: know that however your boat is when you find her, you can change her/make her better. Seaweed came without solar panels, no wind generator, no windlass, inadequate anchor, lacked access to storage places, etc. I've been working on all those things.
My biggest advice though if you're shopping for a boat home is to buy a boat that has been home to someone for YEARS. No, everything won't be the way you'd prefer, but the previous owner will have gained access to storage spaces, made changes that will benefit you, and more.
I know I'm always fascinated by the "little things" that owners do to make their homes better/more comfortable. Factory boats might be fancy (and are!) but it's the little touches I like best. Stupid stuff, like on Anja the owner has a retractable clothes line in the head for hanging damp clothes.
Or the spot under the steps with storage for tools so they are right by the engine. Or the spice rack in the galley that keeps everything tidy even in a blow.... little stuff, but happiness quotient enhancers.
I've rambled. I'll hush now.
:lol:
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