I think we are pretty set on a trawler. So then the question about propulsion is to keep the GPH (Gas Per Hour) as minimal as possible so that we do not break the bank.
This means foremost Diesel. Even single gas engine on boat burn easily 20-30 GPH, some up to 60 GPH. Multiply this by a very conservative $4 per gallon, and you are looking at $80-240/hour. And I have heard of worse. Not sustainable.
If you consider that a great loop to the Bahamas and back will take 700 hours (diesel) and at best 400 (gas), as you should still respect the many no-wake zones. You can see where this is headed. I dont know about you, but I cannot afford a trip that runs 400*20*4=$32,000 (best case scenario for petrol)!!! Yep, you read that right. Now you know why so many petrol boat just sit in the Bahamas with their owners flying in and out.
In the Diesel world, you can easily find boats that will be in the 1.5GPH to 3GPH for the same trip. Slower speeds, but I come from the sailing world where I think the enjoyment is as much in the journey as in the destination.
So, the for the same trip in Diesel at $5 per gallon (worst case, as generally diesel is cheaper than gas) will net you 700*1.5*5=$5,000 to $10,000. Much more manageable, specially on a 9 month trip.
Volvo (which makes both types of engines) a great simple article about gas vs diesel. But, yes, I am firmly in the diesel camp.
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