great treatise, Doug Big boats offer more: More restrictions on where they can go along the coast (the most interesting area to sail), more insulation from the basic sailing experience, more hassle, more stress in tight quarters, more expense. The best boat is the smallest one that will serve the owner's purpose. Anything more is a waste. ************* Finally getting around to making the new hatchboards (man, am I SLOW). First coat of varnish last night/this morning. The originals were 2 pcs. The first replacement (the ash ones that turned black) was in 3 pcs. I've gone back to the 2 pcs because (in order of importance): 1. The 2 pc ones are larger and serve better as counter space on the v-berth while cooking. 2. It is easier to hold 2 hatchboards in one hand than 3. Now on to the whisker pole mount for the camera... Tod M-17 #408 BuscaBrisas