Boat Size for Ocean Cruising

[johnford]

What size boat is acceptable for cruising from Key West to Belize? I also plan on living on the boat once I get there. I have been looking at 40'-50', double and triple cabin, twin engine diesels, that have 500+ gallon tanks. What make and model would be my best choice and what criteria is a must have (excluding creature comforts). I don't have a ton of money so I am looking at boats from the 80's and 90's. Will then spend a year outfitting her and upgrading whatever is necessary.

 

[AndieMac]

Welcome to the forum.

The appropriate size could well depend on how many people are to be living on board for the longer term. If just one or two, a 42 footer could well do, but any more would mean further consideration on size.
As your intended destination is central America, you should be able to access cheap fuel, but maybe consider a fuel polishing system to ensure a clean supply.

You don't state your preference for speed and boat style, so hard to comment.

Are you looking to anchor out in more remote locations or simply marina-hop. You need to consider for anchoring out: water supply, desalination?, AC power (Gen set), battery charging, solar panels etc.

If your parameters are low cost (and slow) boating, perhaps one of the many trawler yacht options so prolific in the US, with simple but effective paravane stabilisers.

 

[johnford]

Thanks for the info, never considered the fuel polishing system. I have been looking at a number of cabin cruisers and flybridge cruisers, saw a few trawlers, but there design does not appeal to me. I like the Chris Craft Constellations and some of the Carvers. I just want something that is going to be easy for just myself to handle and at the same time be safe even in some bad weather.

 

[AndieMac]

The wooden Constellations would be nice to live on, but of course some go back 50 years and would need a thorough inspection for deterioration.

Close quarter handling for any boat can be improved dramatically by the inclusion of thrusters.

I can't comment on either of these vessels rough water ability, but it may be worth considering including a qualified crewman for long passages, rather than doing it solo.
Also make up "storm shutters" out of heavy clear perspex to secure over the large saloon windows for open water passages.