[Cruisingdad]

Val,

We used a Bodum on our last cruising exped. They are ok. The one we used was glass with SS brackets around it. We never broke it, but were always cautious. The trick is to not pour BOILING water into it. If the water is too hot, it causes the coffee to taste like burnt-truck-stop blend. It also makes the coffee VERY strong. In the end, that is our last choice. Boiling the water takes time and heats up our cabin too much. I am lucky to find my way to the galley, much less have the sense to boil water.

We recently purchased a SS caraffe maker from Mr Coffee. It is a Walmart item - though I imagine lots of people sell them. That is what I would reccomend. The only time it draws power is while it is making the coffee. It automatically goes into a sealed thermos and keeps it quite warm for several hours. THat is the best way for a cruiser as it does not need (and does not have) a warming plate and cannot break and can be carried anywhere on the boat and set anywere (including the cockpit which is nice).

The negative of this coffee maker is its size. THis one DOES NOT mount under the cabinet. I would imagine they likely make one to mount under it but I have not seen it and probably would not pay the price for it even if I did. It also is slow to brew the coffee... but compared to boiling water for a bodum, much better.

THose are my thoughts. Hope they help.

- CD