I think a lot of it first has to be narrowed down to what the buyer's requirement s are first then
work around that. For example;
1) want a luxury cat? YES NO
2) The more options the better and willing to deal with the
maintenance. YES NO
3) How big is big enough? The bigger the more time to keep clean, and maintain. Maybe not a problem but my 46' cat keeps me busy, real busy.
4) Be honest, how many people will be on board 95% of the time?
5) Do you like to tinker? Yes No
6) Planning to sail to far off places? Yes No
7) I like to sail at a nice slow pace? Yes No
8) I enjoy sailing fast and hope to get place in half the time than other cruisers. Yes No
9) Resale value is important. Yes No
10) Cost to moor the boat of the size you want.
11) Can the boat be pulled out of the
water easily in your area? Yes No
12) Do you care what the boat looks like design wise? Yes No
13) How much can you afford.
And I am sure you can add to this list.
Then
work around these points.
Oh. ALso be honest about yourself is really key. The best way to do this is take a second and look back at what kind of person you REALLY ARE. Then think of a boat that fits this criteria. The more honest you are to yourself the better choice you'll make. So if you do not clean at home and can not afford a maid then think of a boat that is easy to clean and maintain. Or if you drive slow and never care about how long it takes to get somewhere then getting a slow boat would be fine. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF or you will end up selling the boat and getting one that fits you eventually.
I have a phrase I live by and think it works well.
"Just enough and never too much"
At least that is how I feel
Cheers.