Onboard Living

Hey Dallas,
Thank you for your military service to our great country. You know more about wrenches and screw drivers than I do, that's no lie.
So...I am trying to get the synopsis of your question and intended use. Let me know if I have this correct.

Live aboard.
Marina and anchor living.
Coastal and Inner Coastal cruising southeast USA.
$175K all in.
Bachelor.

Here is direction I would steer you: Not this boat as this is just from current YachtWorld inventory, just example that may fit your quest.

https://www.**************/yacht/1994-sea-ray-440-express-bridge-9008812/

As a Navigator owner keep that on your list. There are more on the West coast though.

I can't tell you why exactly but I would not go with Bayliner or Carver, they put out a lot, as in lots and lots, of boats. Their designed them with heaps of livable interior spaces with less regard for mechanical spaces which makes them attractive to live aboard life.