I advise people in your situation to take a boating course and rent for a
while. See if you and the family like boating. There is more to it than just
driving a boat around.
If you want to get a feel for maintainence, make friends with someone who
owns a boat similar to what strikes your fancy and help him/her work on that
boat. Change the engine oil, paint the bottom, clean the bilge. For some,
the personal satisfaction of a job well done; for others, a living
nightmare.
The second group usually gets sick of $70/hour bills for services and sells.
MMC

"H. David" wrote in message
...
I am just beginning to explore getting into cruising, am newly retired,
and
want to cruise on the waterways of the Pacific Northwest doing regular
overnight cruises for two people and occasionally 4. I have a boat budget
of
about $50,000. Any recommendations as the best boat to buy would be
appreciated. I am open to new or used and will moor the boat at my local
marina. From the reading I have done so far I know I want a craft that is
first seaworthy, then reliable, and reasonably comfortable.

Thanks very much.

H. David