Living on a Sailboat?

A lot of questions and none that are easily answered. First make some short trips...especially into rough water because inevitably you'll meet some while cruising. Many people assume they are sailors but end up sick or bored after investing a great deal of time and money. Not every one is a long distance sailor. My preference is for short legs near home. The price as dictated by the boat varies so much that it is once more very difficult to answer. A friend of mine well versed in blue water sailing...15 trips across the Atlantic, many solo as well as all of the south Pacific, just bought a 1981 Niagara 35 which is as good as it gets out there for a reasonable $38k Canadian. Took about 10k extra to get her ready to sail home but she's very much capable of all that you would need. There's a great deal of disagreement on the best boats but there are many out there that cost much less than 100k. Here in Canada we have seen more than our share of good cruising boats that predate the 80's. Check out some of the ones built in Ontario and Quebec as well as Nova Scotia. Look for carrying capacity..water and fuel not a good cockpit for lounging because they won't help save your hide between ports. I don't think you need any form of ticket...sure don't here in Canada as long as it's classed as a yacht below a given tonnage.