Thanks Robert for asking the question and a special thanks to Scott Bulger for your answer. This is our first post and we have been wondering the same type of things that Robert Miller asked in his post. Our situation is similar except we are going to be part time liveaboards for 6-8 months for the first 2-3 years and then full time until.... We could totally relate to Scotts' answer in that we are looking for 45-50 ft with almost the same criteria that he mentioned. We have discussed the Krogen whaleback, older Northsea, Nordhavn 46 with fly bridge. We think we would rather buy a 5-10 year old boat for less and have the funds to upgrade than to have new finish without the fit. We hope that others (John at Seahorse, Dave (Nancy) at Swan Song, Capt. Mike Maurice and Patrick at Aloha) just to mention a few, would also post as Scott did to help those of us who are attempting to make a life change and get to the water safely. Thanks Nick & Becky, One Horse Motel, West Yellowstone Montana.