You could also ask the question to the rec.boats.cruising newsgroup.

If you are alone then you can go with anything... depending on the expected
comfort Bombard crossed the ocean on a dinghy... But seriously try to
find a good used boat in the 25-30 feet range. Then you will have to
upgrade it to ocean condition, check rigging, replace parts, install
watertight hatches and so on. Count for 3 months of preparation.

If you ask about material then you should also ask for boat design. For
example steel is nice for serious around the world cruising but under 30
feet it's too heavy. Aluminum is best but costly unless you intend to build
yourself. Fiberglass is exactly what it is... cheap and almost impossible
to build watertight and collision proof.

Engine size, suppose you find a 30 feet sailboat of 10 000 pounds loaded,
then engine is only for getting into ports and in case of emergency; if so
you would need at least 30 HP to keep your boat under control on a gale.
More if the boat is heavier.

Personnaly i wouldn't go on this kind of trip without a boat that can be
watertight and collision (small one) safe. There are plenty of books of
people having spent time modifying and upgrading pleasure boat to cross the
ocean.

Good luck !


wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi guys

I want to sail from usa to greece. and I was wondering if you guys can
send
me some advice on;
1- what is the minimum size sailboat I should have,
2- what boat material is better,
3- what engine size and sail I should have?

thanks
James