Mike, welcome aboard.
You have told us a pretty board operating area. Where do you intend to home port? How long are you prepared to stay away from shore, weeks, month?
What boating experience do you two have? A few courses will bring you two up to speed. Navigation and maintenance of the engines a assorted all encompassing system. Others' will disagree with me but, 2-3 year old paper charts a good if all your electronic navigation goes belly up.
Charter a boat with a Captain for a couple of weeks. Pick his brain clean of all information. You can charter a few different brands to see what fits the life style you and your father have chosen.
New or used?
The definition of a trawler has been discussed in this group for years without a conclusion. Basically, most boats are now being called trawlers for marketing purposes. Discuss it with your broker the definition of a trawler and be prepared to doubt his definition.
So many opportunities to spend your money on the west coast LOL
I will not mention any brand names unless provoked by others.
I can answer the easy questions first.
You and your dad, 2 staterooms. (40+ft)
Walk around front? Portuguese bridge? Wont find them on boats less than 40+ft and then only on a few boats. If you want protect walk around side decks, 40+ft. IF you get into the "big boy" boats, these bridges and protected side decks are very common.
"Dont want a crew cabin" IMO, that does limit the maximum length to 50+ max. unless both of you have years of experience in boat and line handling, good communication and trust in each other.
On a dark and stormy night you will wish you had one or two experienced people on board.
So much more to be said but dont want to bore you plus, gotta let others talk LOL
Ask specific questions and be prepared to get at least 6 different opinions.
We are here to help you spend your money!!!
Dan.