Thank you so much, Art. Very helpful.
As a follow-on, my search has narrowed to a used 40 to 45 foot twin diesel (Cats or Lehmans preferred, based upon what I have learned thus far), which my wife and I can live aboard for 2 to 4 weeks at a time. We are interested in a Florida-based boat that is capable of safely traveling to the Bahamas and the Caribbean islands. I am hoping to spend $300K or less, which appears "doable" given my focus upon boats from the 80s and 90s.
I have become interested in the following brands - Tollycraft, Grand Banks (although beautiful, I am hesitant about the teak decking), Hatteras, Chris Craft, and Californian.
Based upon my desired usage and criteria listed above, would anyone steer me away from any of these brands?