The main consideration when choosing a boat is how many people will be going with you. This will help determine the living space required and the length of the boat for ease of handling.

You need to think about whether you all want to have your own cabin, or whether one or more are happy to sleep in the saloon are which usually converts to sleeping accommodation. This can work well if the people sleeping in the saloon are happy to be last to bed and first up in the morning (parents of a family for example). What happens if you're not feeling well and want to lie down or have some quiet time on your own? If you're the one in the saloon, it can be difficult.

Many people are happy to handle a large boat, however, for a crew of 2 people, our preference would be for no more than 38 foot and ideally 34-36 foot. If all of the crew are able and keen to participate, then a larger boat would be an option (depending on their competence!).

It is worth checking out the equipment and inventory on the boat as this might determine who you choose to charter with. Sometimes items which you consider essential are charge at an extra cost - for example a spinnaker, dinghy or outboard. Consider how the hatches open in the boat for good airflows - particularly important in a hot climate.

Think about what sort of itinerary you're likely to choose - are you planning to sail every day, or will you be sight seeing for half of the time and hence be off the boat. These are factors to consider

The layout of the boat might be important to you - think about how people are likely to move around on the boat - will the children want to be in and out of their cabin and if so, how will that affect you if you're cooking as they whiz past? Can you manage with one toilet or would you prefer to have two?

For chartering in places where the weather is more variable, or prone to strong winds, you might want to consider a boat which lends itself to best handle the conditions. Your charter company should be able to advise you on what is best for the location you're looking at.