i think you are barking up the right tree mate, a large app dob is great value for money. Do some shopping around and you will find some good deals. Also do a search in this site for some information on exactly the subject you have just posted. there are lots of dobbers here
, but that can't be helped too much
, for cost benefit analysis they are tops, easy to set up and use. you just have to learn the sky a bit. you might want to find out if you can get a good second hand scope from a Astro club member too, see what societies have a for sale section in your area.