Jeffery, Take a look at my website, here: https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/cruising-practica/great-loop/the-best-boat/ <https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/cruising-practica/great-loop/the-best-boat/>. There is no one opinion and there is no one right answer. Much of the selection will depend on you, your crew and your lifestyle preferences. One very appropriate piece of advice is, "choose the smallest boat on which you can be comfortable." Jim Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently southbound at Solomons, MD http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com <http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/> Monk 36 Hull #132 MMSI #367042570 AGLCA #3767 MTOA #3436