I used to sail a lot. 30' plus will get you to the Bahamas safely and comfortably. Hunter, Morgan and Beneteau are all pretty well built and commonly purchased by the rental fleet operations. Morgans and Hunters are slower than the Beneteau. ou really need to rent one and live on it for a week. I suggest trying out the Carribean and the Francis drake Channel through a charter company like SunSail where they provision and outfit the boat for a week and can include a Captain who will let you sail and teach you at the same time. It can be a great time, especially with another couple. When I was younger we had two families rent two sailboats together and raced each other for a week in the islands - one certified captain on each boat. Our captain just directed us what to do as we rotated between the working positions on the boat. If anyone gets seasick - give them the helm. They will immediately have to focus on steering and forget that they are not feeling well.
Take sailing lessons (Colgate School or Annapolis Sailing School) AFTER you have been on the charter so you will have some first hand knowledge to build upon. The week on the water will help you decide what you like and don't like about a sailboat and tailor your purchase decisions.
If money is not a deciding factor, I would go up slightly in boat length to a 36' to 40' model. So much more creature comfort and space and just as easy to sail.
My 2 cents.
madspackler wrote:
