Contrary to what some have written, if you are planning to live on the boat and sail around the world then I think that you are looking at exactly the right sort of size of boat. Both at sea and in harbour a 45-50ft boat is far more comfortable than something smaller. Further, whilst it and the kit are undoubtedly more weighty the reality is that with modern fittings such a boat is a lot easier to sail short handed than something a lot smaller a few decades ago.
Electric winches, in
mast furling and a reliable
autopilot representing a paradigm shift.
Whilst I accept that all views are subjective, the fact that in the
Med most of the newer boats that I see are of that size and up is indicative of the way that the market has moved.
Where I think you might stumble is over your
budget if you are set on a
new boat. £280k is not going to get you much past the base line. Especially if you are going to VAT register.
Our own experience is that having considered @42ft French new we ended up with 49ft used and with everything included down to a/c and a
washing machine. For less
money and, mercifully, no more grief in what would have been the warranty period. Most important, we also got a far better built French boat than the bottom of the market makes you mention.