Lisa,
Congrats on your exciting plans! We chartered an IP-38 and loved it! We owned an IP-27 for 10 years and are now cruising the US East Coast and Bahamas on "Island Spirit," an IP-35 we haved owned for 11 years. IPs are magnificent boats, comfortable and very safe!
First of all, there are NO silly questions...don't hesitate to ask. All of us started out as "inexperienced" and that is what makes sharing on-line so valuable!
The galley dish storage bins on all IPs are large enough to hold a stack of 8 standard 10" dinner plates. I would hesitate to use plates from home, however, because you really need Melamine dishes with rubber non-skid rings around the bottom to prevent them from sliding across the counter and across the table. The same goes for drinking cups and mugs. Without them, a lovely meal can wind up on the floor when a small wake rocks your boat in an otherwise quiet anchorage. Many used boats will include galley items in the sale, so you may not need to buy any. For now, you can see what is available at
www.galleyware.com
Best wishes as you plan your adventure with your children! The cruising kids we have met are such great people. They are self-reliant, mature and intellectually curious. It is a great lifestyle!
Please don't hesitate to ask more questions!
Radeen
