Boat selection for coastal cruising

[30West]

A 40' planing hull cruiser is going to plane out at around 25 knots. Less than that, down to displacement speed, is going to be inefficient. Planing in heavy chop on the open ocean is going to get old, you won't want to spend all day doing that unless it is smooth. You also won't want to run your tanks below 2/3 on the open ocean. Plan stops to rest and fuel.

Solo powerboat cruising? I can see having to do it, but buying a boat for that?

Full displacement 60' vs planing hull 40', you are talking completely different boats and experiences. Where did you get 15 knots for a 40' cruiser? Spend some time reading and researching.

[tuffr2]

Thinking outside the box, but how about the Baja 38 Special? That looks like a fun boat to me with a roomy cabin and generator...zoom zoom.

[boatpoker]

Sounds great if you can afford $200/hr. for fuel.

[markpierce]

Consider thruster(s) on a twin-engine boat to be an optional option, while on a single-engine boat a recommended option.

Prefer a fuel range of at least 500 miles, while here on the west coast 1000 miles because all-weather harbors along the coast can be far between and unavailable under certain weather conditions.