- 1990's or newer design for a more open floor plan
- Center Cockpit for a big captain's berth aft
- 38' - 42' LOA. 36' would be ideal if I was going to become a hermit but I like people and entertaining
- Teak decks are a pain in the butt and a deal killer. They look great but aren't worth the trade-offs
- Renewable power via wind, solar, or both is a must. 6V batteries done well last longer.
- Newer sails in above average condition. Furling jib for sure (Duh). Furling main is nice to have, especially for fast reefing single handed, but most are out of my price range.
- Two heads in operating condition make life better for everyone on board. Disabling one and not adjusting the price accordingly is a very bad negotiating tactic for you sellers out there.
- Spacious salon I can live and work in comfortably is critical, and the less table that is in the way when you aren't using it the better.
- Windows and headroom are important - otherwise it feels like you're in a coffin.
- Flatter non-stepped fore-decks are harder to find than you might think, but it's important to have a place for catching some rays in comfort when relaxing. Too flat = no air circulation.
I found Morgan 41' at Christmas I really liked that was at the high end of my price range, but owned by an unmotivated sailor whose wife has already picked out their next bigger boat, and he wasn't willing to budge on the price even though there were numerous issues with all of the above. I moved on.
My racing partner and captain George C. has been a huge help in my shopping process. I also need to give props (pun intended) to the Liveaboard Sailboat Group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/111039125633053/) that has given me great advice on boats I've looked at, and brought up things to consider that weren't necessarily on my radar (pun intended again). Thanks to you all for sharing your experience, time, and suggestions.
I've registered as a creator for One Spark which will be here in Jacksonville in April 2015 (https://www.onespark.com/festival/2015/projects/corporate-sail-out) to try and raise funding to shoot my live-aboard transformation process as a web based reality series. My goal is to inspire others to show how they can simplify their life and chase whatever dreams they have, even if it has nothing to do with sailing.
One thing that was both odd and funny was that I had a meeting with a producer in Atlanta. I pitched the concept of a Les Stroud inspired (http://lesstroud.ca/survivorman), self-shot "Survivorman" like approach to capturing this journey but he was more interested in budgeting $150,000 - $200,000 per episode complete with a camera crew, chase boat, and all of the trappings. He also asked me what I was running away from and I tried to explain I wasn't running from anything - it's what I am running towards that matters most. He clearly didn't get my concept, and I didn't get his.
The boat search continues and I suspect it won't be long now.
