Ocean Crossers and Global Cruisers Only

[Chotu]

Dear cruisers who have made passages across oceans and or have been cruising globally:

I'm still working on a decision between putting in the work and financial commitment to finish fitting out my ideal global cruiser... Or... doing a very small amount of work needed on another boat I own that just isn't as good, but might be adequate.

Are you cruising globally in your ideal boat or did you settle for something easy and cheap?

Do you think happiness comes more from the traveling? More from having a great boat? Or more from some combination of these? What combination do you think is right?

My girlfriend is convinced putting in the work, time and money to finish building out the interior and rigging on the ideal global cruiser is the way she wants to go. She says the so-so boat "doesn't feel like a home."

I'm not so sure, but obviously I'd love to have the best, most safe and perfect boat suited for the global cruising task. However, is it worth spending $100k-$200K and 2-3 years of my life to achieve it?

Or is it better to just use any old boat?

I will refrain from naming the exact boats because I don't want to cloud the discussion with any boat preferences.