Allen, when I retire & my cruising life begins in earnest I will be doing exactly the same thing, with pretty much the same objectives as yourself. I'm currently fitting my boat out accordingly WRT Eberspacher heating/220aHr Lifeline (x4) batt's, wind-charging etc.
I can't wait for my boat to be finished, so I can be independent from Marinas for months at a time if I so wish.

I have a Nicholson 38-not a bilge-keeler I know-but having been in love with the Golden Hind 31' bilge-keeler for several years...I almost bought one. Very affordable, (even more so in the USA) well known sea-keeping qualities, & can get in just about anywhere, & have an enthusiastic owners group. Over 6'-2" head-room too, a big plus for me.!
Only reason I backed away from the GH was the smaller tankage & storage space for long-distance cruising.

roly' & trouts' posts sum it all up very well.!
Jeff