[tevake]

Hi T, In looking back over this thread, I decided to delete part of my post #28 where I went into a comparison of the fuel consumption of sail vs power boats. This was not really relevant to this discussion and only plays into the divide that exists for some between sail and power boat users. Kind of like that between performance car enthusiasts and hyper milests.
I am sure you considered the costs of operating your new boat before you got into it. All boaters have more in common than not. the need for good planning, prudent seamanship, dependance on good weather for fun, the need of safe harbors, etc.

The Chapman that I mentioned earlier is Chapman piloting and seamanship. it is a big book chock full of detailed info on most aspects of the subject. My copy is on board for use as a reference source.
The mention of having a paper chart is a good one. you can plot a running fix on it from your GPS just incase. Chapman has a section on chart plotting, using dividers to get the coordinates of a fix. Or using a handheld compass to plot a fix from land marks. These are useful skills to have. Some of these are dying arts in this age of electronics. The US Navy no longer teaches celestial navigation from what I hear. Any way You can set up way points on your charteplotter that will give you the coordinates of the spots as well.

The coast Guard auxilery in your area probably has a safe boating course that should cover these skills and many others.

I think that you are going thru some understandable stress from stepping up to a larger boat, and taking on a trip that is longer and in waters that are new to you. Taking your familurisation with your boat step by step will settle a lot of these concerns for you and your wife. Plus a bit of worries will help keep you focused on your trip. And help you avoid the complacency that leads to many of the problems that can be befall the too casual boater. Take it slow when in doubt! The bigger boat will help smooth rougher conditions and provide comfort and shelter that will ease the experience over the long hall . Leaving you fresher and more able to deal with pressures of land fall and getting settled in safely at the end of a day underway.

Once you get thru this adjustment period , I am sure your new boat will bring you lots of fun and good times.

Cheers Richard