Boats for transiting the Gulf?

Just one other comment on dockage. The available docks for live aboards are fewer each year in Florida. The submerged land lease restrictions on them are being enforced. So the kay, as mentioned above, is you need to find dockage before you make a purchase.
We have lived aboard for six months at a time and found it really great. But the comments on making sure you have the creature comforts as well as enough storage are right on the money.
But don't be discouraged by all of us who are trying to make sure you don't make the same mistakes we have made!