The problem is that a comfortable "live-aboard size" boat and an "affordable long-distance cruising" boat are two very different things. If you try to buy one to do both, you will end up with the best of neither.
Comfort & Compromise is a key ingredient to happiness and success on this voyage, but I'm talking about minimums on comfort and maximums on compromise. You will want and need as much comfort inside and at the helm and cockpit area as you can get.
We strongly suggest your outside helm station & cockpit area be fitted with a large bimini with rollup side canvas and screen. The bimini will protect you from the sun, while added canvas will protect you from rain. The screens will protect you from flies, mosquitos, no-see-ums and bugs.
Anchoring and anchor lights are another often overlooked item on this voyage. The USCG required anchor light will prove to be totally inadequate as will their recommended anchoring system. For safety anchoring out, you will want your boat lit up like a Christmas tree. Additionally, you will want an anchoring system (anchor, chain, rode and windless) at least twice as strong as the normally recommended size for your vessel. You will also need to know how to use it properly. All this will make for a much better night's sleep.
Two of the most common mistakes boaters make on this voyage is 1. running aground on a falling tide, 2. not anchoring properly and having their vessel drag the anchor. Both these mistakes are easy to avoid, and both can lead to an expensive tow, rescue, or even disaster. I promise - once you experience either one of these events, it will scare to the point you will never ever let it happen again. So, always cruise shallow areas known for shoaling with a rising tide, and always make 110% sure your anchor is laid out properly and set. Keep in mind, it is your anchor and rode that must hold your 10-ton boat in place, not just pull up your 10-pound anchor.
