$100K and Looking for a Good, Solid, Safe Cruiser / Liveaboard

[popeyenat]

Hello All,

I am new to sailboats and need some help in finding a boat around the $100-150K mark. There are 2 of us and we intend to live onboard and island hop for a couple of years.

I have been at sea 18 years and am Captain of a large merchant vessel so, I am well versed in navigation, safety and seamanship etc.

However, I am not familiar with the sailing/cruising world with regards to yachts.

My priorities are safety, build quality and durability with some good living space and a little character thrown in.

I would like to do some ocean cruising later, so must be able to handle adverse weather conditions when required. Safety first.

Some manufacturers names and any handy hints to avoid getting ripped off.

Thanks and Bon Voyage

Captain Nathan