Island Packet 32 - Perfect Compromise?

[Dr. Moreau]

My wife and I are planning a circumnavigation in a few years and we have been focused on getting a larger boat, in the 37' to 42' range. This weekend we went boat shopping and stumbled across a Island Packet 32.

We have been focused on larger boats because we want to sail comfortably, but the more we evaluate the finances the less likely I feel we can afford a larger boat. I think if we squeeze every penny we could get something for around $100-120K, but this would mean sacrificing a lot over the next few years.

The Island Packet got me thinking, maybe we should downsize. Downsize our budget and buy a smaller boat for $60-80K and live smaller on our trip. The 32' length boat seems completely manageable to handle for one of us alone, but the lack of storage has me concerned. It has a large aft-berth

I have a few general questions, we are young and impressionable so please give us any feedback.

1) What will we be really missing the most if we go for a 32' vs a 40'? 8' is a lot of storage on the boat, but maybe we can find some creative solutions like converting the V Berth to storage. Am I overvaluing storage space?

2) Has anyone here downsized to a smaller boat for a long sail or circumnavigation? Would you recommend a 32' boat as a acceptable way of seeing the world? Or should we really stick with the 37' + range?

3) Finally.. Is the Island Packet 32' a solid ocean going boat and would you put yourself on it for a circumnavigation? The particular boat is a 1991 and it is a Island Packet 32, not 320. Any input on the boat, horror stories, etc would be appreciated. I have read enough on here to feel comfortable that Island Packet boats in general are high quality.

Thanks all,

Aaron & Jen