David J. wrote:
This is probably a stupid question.... So forgive me I know almost nothing
about boats.

What kind of boat would be needed if you wanted to go to the ocean. I
assume that with the waves you would need a larger boat.

David

People have done ocean crossings in sail boats as small as 16 feet from
what I have read. I personally would not suggest it, I found 30 to 60
foot sail to be good.

As other posters have commented there are a lot more questions than
answers.

Do you want sail , power or both ?
Short excursions of less than a day or ocean crossing trips , perhaps
cruising for a few days at a time ?
Do you want comforts like a flush toilet or can you manage with less ?