John,
After chartering and borrowing a variety of cruising boats for many years we
bought a Bristol Channel Cutter 28 a few years ago and find it a good design
for single or double-handed cruising. Nice easy motion offshore and tons of
storage space --a big plus when trying to find room for all the stuff and
tools and spare parts you'll want for extended cruising . The heavy
displacement is balanced by a very generous sail plan and long waterline,
they do a whole lot better in light and moderate conditions than one might
expect. Very solidly built, and pleasant to spend time on if you enjoy
traditional design. There are better designs for weekend marina-hopping or
racing around the buoys but for extending cruising it's hard to beat in its
size range. Not cheap, but it's sailing dimensions - beam, draft,
displacement, LWL and sail area compare favorably to more modern designs in
the 34' range.

Scott

"JohnM" wrote in message
...
I'm looking for a suitable boat for single handed cruising the Bahamas for
a
year then up the East coast and eventually across to the Mediteranian. I
realize many sailors single hand with guests or spouses aboard but I will
have more than myself aboard only on rare occasions, and perhaps in port.
I
was thinking of Beneteau 35 or similar. Would this be enough boat to be
safe
and comfortable.Thanks in advance for the help.