Advice for a Newbie on My End Goal - My Dream Monohull

[Redbull addict]

Hello everyone!

This is my first post on this board and I want to introduce myself as I continue to do research into what I want out of a boat and my choices.

I'm a 37 year old hi-tech worker in silicon valley who is pretty much burned out. I've been an on and off sailor for the past 16 years. Most of the time I charter from
Sunsail or Moorings for 2 weeks at a time every 2 years. Currently I own a small motorboat.

My wife and I are in the research phase right now, so please forgive the naive questions.

We are considering buying a monohull in the future that can comfortably carry 4-6 people for 2 week voyages, but can also be sailed with just 2 people easily.
We would plan to use the boat mainly in Baja initially to sail for 1 month increments, but ultimately plan to live on board. Later the plan would be to sail to hawaii and further out west. I know that boats are a compromise and I lean towards safety and comfort first (sailing and accomodations), followed by speed. I'm also a believer in buying new and keeping for a longer period of time. Our budget could be up to 600K fully equiped.

As far as size, I'm thinking of something in the 43 - 53 ft range. Configuration is still TBD. What manufacturers do you think I should start looking at as I continue my research?

Thanks in advance, and I hope that one day I'll be able to contribute as well.

Take care,
Tom