In this area your choices lie between buying new, having a boat custom built, purchasing second hand or building from a hull and deck package or perhaps from plans and patterns. These choices are all effected by your particular requirements. You and your partners present age, financial situation, family considerations and perhaps the desire to get on with it, can influence your choice in this matter. Many people who will be retiring in a few years plan well ahead and  have all the above options available. Those with foresight can have the boat ready for their retirement and enjoy uninterrupted cruising.