First boat

[Jimster]

I’m looking to buy my first boat. I want something I can cruise the Caribbean. I’ve been looking at Albert 30, allied seawind 30 and tartan 30s. Should I buy a 5-10k boat and put 10k in it or buy a 20-25k boat?

[hscrugby]

One thing I learned, even with a "better" boat than I originally though... IF you plan that it will be 10k to put in, it's gonna be 20 and a LOT of time.
Boat stuff gets pricey real fast. That said, if you watch the weather, and are smart, you can have a blast in the Caribbean on a small budget boat. A lot of them in that range just need a lot of TLC labor, and are seaworthy. Do you have much experience with boats from helping friends etc?
If not, (covid makes this WAY harder but) try to meet some people at local marinas and help crewing some different boats. Talk to lots and see what things on a boat you'd feel you have to have versus you hate.
What we saw when we had the theory of "5-10k" and lots of elbow grease, was going up a bit got us a boat we could sail, and do minor things, as we needed upgrade what we want but enjoy sailing. What we were terrified of was buying a boat that was going to be in a boatyard for 2 years before we could go sailing.
Good luck.