: Prioritize tankage (fuel and water capacity), galley functionality (stoves and refrigeration), and headroom . A second head (bathroom) is often considered a "better than spares" feature for reliability while underway.
: Fiberglass is generally more forgiving and easier to maintain, while steel or aluminum might be preferred for high-latitude or extremely rough-water sailing. The Buying Process & Inspections how to buy a sailboat
The right "helpful features" depend entirely on your sailing style: : Prioritize tankage (fuel and water capacity), galley