Hi everyone,

I am brand new to sailing. Currently I own a Hobie Tandum Adventure Island and this has given me a taste for sailing.
I am very good at carpentry work and mechanics. I have time to spend renovating a boat, up to 12 months, but can not afford to spend a lot of money. I have been looking at 25ft due to purchase cost and if I do need to pay for a mooring it will be cheaper.

I have been looking at the following boats, Top Hat and Roberts. I really don't know what I am looking at though. I need a boat capable of sailing to New Caledonia.

Here are the basics
Spend - up to $10,000
Live aboard
Capable of some ocean sailing
Some work required which won't be too costly
No longer than 28ft
Speed is not an issue

Any advice on probably the top 3 types/makes of boats I should be looking at would be great.

Thanks