Is a 30' boat too big for a beginner?

[Rich]

I think ease of crossing the Broads was an attractive side effect of a larger boat, but was secondary to weekend comfort.

The original question was about spending a weekend on a boat vs buying waterfront property.

From my direct experience, spending a weekend on a 25 to 27 ft boat vs something larger, is like trying to sleep in your SUV for the weekend vs sleeping in your own bed at home. It's a huge comfort difference!

With the smaller 25 to 27 ft boat, we felt more like a homeless person trying to make due with what we had, vs being totally comfortable in the larger boat.

With the smaller boat, you are constantly crawling over each other when hanging below for sleeping or if the weather turns and you are confined to your boat.

With the larger boat, you have some room, a comfortable bed/berth, and don't feel like you're stuck in an SUV for the weekend.

With the smaller boat, while there is nothing wrong with it, just realize that it's somewhat like camping in a small tent all weekend, which is fine at times, but not as comfortable as it could be and may turn off many to the experience if you are spending every weekend on board.