Help Selecting the Correct Hull

[gaff]

Hi everyone, new to the forum and looking to learn from everyone.
My wife and I have spent many years in 21 to 37 ft boats fishing and diving the Atlantic coast of Florida, the Keys and Bahamas. As we near retirement we wish to spend several months each year in the Caribbean and after some sea time we can see ourselves visiting South America, Central America and Baja. We have our sites set on a trawler in the 40 to 50 ft range.
I am aware of the differences in displacement, semi-displacement and planning hulls and we are well aware how quickly the ocean can change. So, I am looking for any and all advice on selecting the right hull design. In most cases island hoping even in a 7 to 9 knot trawler is a matter of hours but if we decide to change course and cut across 300 miles of ocean I want to be able to do it.
Thanks for any help,
Dana

[Therapy]

Catamaran.

[cat man do]

Originally Posted by Therapy

Catamaran.

I agree, but this is a very viable alternative and if I was doing it again???

Cruising Under Power Southeast Asia in a Converted Fishing Boat

[gaff]

cat man do,
Nice job and a lot of good information but too much work for me.

To Therapy,
Why do you suggest a cat?

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by gaff

cat man do,
Nice job and a lot of good information but too much work for me.

To Therapy,
Why do you suggest a cat?

Stability
Less HP needed for a given speed.
Room inside for given length.

cost..........well.........that's another matter.

[gaff]

A cat is within our price range but I've never spent any time on one. I agree, having boarded them to look they are layed out nice, have a lot of room and are fuel misers. Suppose you got caught at sea and had to take on 15 to 20 footers, how do they handle?

[James S]

Everybody is not comfortable with the pounding some cats experience.

[cat man do]

Originally Posted by gaff

A cat is within our price range but I've never spent any time on one. I agree, having boarded them to look they are layed out nice, have a lot of room and are fuel misers. Suppose you got caught at sea and had to take on 15 to 20 footers, how do they handle?

Just fine

Sea Surface Anchors. Para-Anchors Australia Pty. Ltd.

This'll be my plan when hitting big weather en route, used one before and the change in comfort were dramatic.

[cat man do]

Originally Posted by gaff

cat man do,
Nice job and a lot of good information but too much work for me.

Compared to what?

Building a 50 ft cat from scratch?

I would definitely disagree.