Looking for a Good Single-Handed Offshore Boat

[scheda]

Hi all,

Been browsing the forum for a while, finally broke down and registered today

In the next few months I'd love to get my hands on a boat that's good for single-handing off shore sails.

My first BIG trip will be floating down the east coast of the US to Panama, then across to New Zealand.

I've heard good things about Catalina's, but I've also heard they won't be good for off shore sailing.

I know I'll need something with a full keel, but other than that, I'm not sure what I should be looking for. A heavy boat, something light? 30' or bigger/smaller?

Thanks for any ideas you can shed (or books you can recommend on the subject).