On Tue, 20 Dec 2005 23:26:33 GMT, Gary wrote:

-I think that Harris is a good proven offshore yacht designer, and
-Tayana is a proven offshore yacht builder.

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I agree. They are quite popular among serious cruisers. I know
people who could have bought anything, and spent spent quite a bit of
time on one. Both they and the boat came back in good condition.

One way to approach this boat selection process is to go to one of the
international cruising crossroads and hang out for awhile. I'm
thinking specifically of places like Antigua, the A & BVI, and the
Bahamas. There are cruisers from all over the world in these places.
Take a look at what boats are popular and talk to people about what
they like and don't like about their boats, and their friends boats.
In several weeks, you'll learn a lot more than you will on the
internet, or from talking to boat salesmen.