[DuaneIsing]

Since this thread has taken a little different turn...

I, too, highly value Jeff''s and Jack''s frequent contributions to this board (as well as many others). I feel that I have learned a lot from them.

Since mid 2001, when I started my re-education in sailing, I learned early on that opinions differ widely on most subjects and that there is often not a single "correct" answer to many questions.

I have also read a number of books on cruising where the author gives advice to the reader as if it is gospel. Reading a different author''s work, you might get a VERY different opinion. Trying to resolve discrepancies like that has taught me to make my own decision as best I can with the facts I have.

I already know that letting someone else actually "choose" a boat for me would be a mistake. So, I listen and learn and will mkae the final decision when the time comes (within the next 9 months, I hope).

Good luck with your decisions.

Duane