[santeana]

Hello, I''m in UK, sail above Lat 50, and like you am evaluating which direction to take. Our boat situations are also similar; GRP 34 footer, trad design, lots of lovely teak (inside!). I caution, I''m no expert, just sharing thoughts! My key driver is "practicality" which I think is different to ''simplicity''. I like the idea of a ''single fuel'' boat, so am going down the diesel route; easy fuel stowage, ''unlimited'' supply, easily topped-up, near instant off/on, fairly clean, low maintenance. To be honest I''ve not thought twice about solid fuel. Measured against the ''practicality'' factors above does it measure up? I know it has it''s proponents, has a nice rustic feel about it, but not my bag, I''m afraid.

If it''s any help, on the diesel front, I''m looking at products from Dickinson, Hurricane, Kabola, Lockgate, Refleks, Sigmar, Taylors and Wallis.

Best wishes and good hunting - hope you get more informed comments! Ron