[JohnManzano]

For those of us stranded on land on the Mid-Atlantic Coast, this discussion has come as a welcomed relief. I am impressed with the level of knowledge and reflection you all express.

I''m not sufficiently acquainted with how this message board works but I would like to continue this discussion. For those of you who wish to jump in, the following comments are based on the previous discussion (Toyota Sailboats?), so you might wish to read it before commenting.

Jack, your comments have been particularly insightful in terms of the Japanese manufacturing industry, especially with reference to precision engineering. I''m not approaching this from any particular bias, just the experience of (3)extremely reliable cars. Part of my motive for asking the question was not due to a belief that one could buy an "Island Packet for a Hunter price". I have been scouring Yachtworld for years and anything like that would make me wary at this point.

However, I remember in the 1960''s when people speculated about a reliable car that could be expected go 200,000 miles without a lot of maintenance that could be reasonably priced for the middle class family. The conventional wisdom at the time was that would be next to impossible. Enter the Japanese automakers. Toyota and Honda have proved that wisdom false. I''m wondering if there is a manufacturer out there willing to tackle this issue to produce an affordable "Island Packet" (not to be considered a blanket endorsement of I.P.).

I also have a follow-up question for Jeff. If you believe that the Beneteau First series comes closest to meeting the criteria that I have proposed, then why do you not recommend the "oceanis" series? Do they not employ the same quality control standards in the manufacture of Oceanis that they do with the First?
Have a great Holiday. Would love to hear further from you all.
John