Bligh - I wish I had the wherewithal to make productive use of your advice, because my gut tells me that you are correct. However, as the subsequent poster surmises I am simply not in the position do make any sort of educated evaluation of a boat's systems. I've had alot of interesting experiences in my life - career and hobbies that I've enjoyed - but boats, electronics, mechanics, plumbing, engines are simply not part of my skill set. At least for now.
I've got to say, my visits to the forum can be a bit intimidating at times. Reading this forum, one gets the idea that all of you guys could take apart AND put back together your diesel engines with your eyes closed and one hand tied behind your back. But, truth be told, that's just not me. I have no doubt in the world that being self-sufficient insofar as systems are concerned is optimal. But is it necessary? In all sincerity, I've thought about disqualifying myself from boat ownership because of my limited mechanical ability. But it's hard to believe that all these people I see enjoying themselves in the San Juan Islands have these skills. I'm certainly interested in developing this knowledge and these skills - and I understand that I'll probably ending up shelling out many $$$ to "professionals" until I develop these skills - but in the meanwhile I have to "take myself as I am."
GFC - Your advice is good and well taken. I have checked myself many times and considered the fact that I'm moving too fast here, but a couple of things come into play: (1) I love being on the water and always have. (2) I have an extreme desire to have a toe hold on the West Coast (born and raised in the SF Bay Area), but simply cannot afford the real estate there. (3) I have lived - and happily - for long periods of time with my partner in extremely close quarters, so that's not a problem. (4) There's more, but you get the drfit.
Nonetheless, your advice about "second boat first" seems compelling In line with this advice, I'm doing some basic due diligence (insofar as I am able) on a smaller (34 foot) boat that I've found in SoCal. The idea is that the entry cost would be far less, the maintenance would be less, and if I realize that I made a mistake in my choice of boat (or in pursuing this interest, more generally) the monetary loss would be less when I sell the boat. But, then I wonder whether having a significantly smaller boat (i.e., smaller than the larger boat with separate pilot house that I lust after) would alter (in an adverse) way my experience.
Also, insofar as timing is concerned, I have this idea that boat prices -- at least in the older models that I'm looking at -- are about as low as they'll go now. Of course, I have to admit that this is idle speculation on my part as I honestly cannot claim any knowledge about this market. What do you think? Do you think that there's a possibility that prices on older (1980-1985) fiberglass trawlers in my preferred size class (honestly mid-40s to 50) will begin to rise? Or, alternatively, are these boats going to become cheaper as time passes? It seems like there are some great deals to be had out there, and I attribute that to the economy and to the fact that some owners simply cannot afford to maintain their boats. Could that change. Will I always be able to find a 45-50 trawler in reasonably good condition for <$100k. Obviously, I'm asking you to look into a crystal ball which is absurd, but you get the idea.
Finally, I do have a pretty good idea of what I want. I have zeroed in on a Europa style boat, galley up is a requirement, separate pilot house is ideal, as much deck space (cockpit and flybridge deck) as possible, 2 cabins OK but preferably 3, walk-around with actually useable side decks, etc. As I said in my original post, it seems that Ocean Alexander, Island Gypsy, and C&L/Sea Ranger have some interesting options that match those specifications at a price point that I can manage.
But then there's always the question of the condition of the boat, and there's the rub! As nice as I am, I just don't have the skills to evaluate boat condition at this point in time.
Thanks all for your comments!