Thanks for the reply.

I am looking for something fat, not racy at all; something that will allow
me comfort while at dock, and something to putter around in the bay in, or
to cross to the mainland on.

I wouldn't be afraid to take her down myself, sort of keeping near the
"edge", as you so eloquently put it. Land on the right, I'm headed the
right way, - land on the left, something is amiss sort of thinking. With
proper charts and a good dingy it should be doable, shouldn't it?

Any thoughts on how to find brokers in that part of the world?

Thanks
"Jere Lull" wrote in message
...
Unluckily, none of us can tell you what is realistic for YOU.

A conservative and experienced captain can take a marginal boat far
further safely than a "hot dog" could. If you can be sure that you'll
move only "short" distances, and only when the weather for twice (or so)
your crossing time is predicted to be amenable, I'd say "go for it" with
the best boat for your ultimate purposes.

If you can't stay away from "the edge", I'd say to get the most
seaworthy boat you can afford even if it weren't ideal for your ultimate
purpose.

I suspect you're somewhere in the middle.

You might also find that you can pick up a boat in the nearby area, say
Panama, more cheaply than the US-based sources that you seem to be
considering. The resulting trip could tip the balance towards a boat
closer to your ultimate machine.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/