Al, As you have seen, trawlers can be a lot of fun. How many bells and whistles you have, and when you choose to use them, is up to you. In my previous life as a bomb tech, I relished the challenge of putting on the suit and heading down range to the device. Like most of the people in that field, I am an adrenalin junkie. Then, at the age of 52, my body failed me. In a 85 pound bomb suit, carrying 30 pounds of equipment, on a 95 degree day, my body said, "Quit this s**t.". When I managed to get back to the safe zone, I was barely able to stand on my feet until they could strip the suit. Realizing I was a dinosaur in a young man's game, that was the last time I ever put on the black suit, not only to protect myself but to protect my team mates. Having bow and stern thrusters, along with a host of other fancy items, doesn't mean I have to use them. I still relish, and regularly face, the challenge of using a spring. Having a chart plotter doesn't mean I have given up the satisfaction of plotting the course on my paper charts, calculate set and drift, estimating TOA at various points, and having the thrill of hitting it right on the nose. The challenge is still there, just in smaller doses. Your choice of boats must now reflects the point where your body, and just as importantly the Admiral's body, is saying "Quit this s**it." Even though we become comfortable on the water, we can't forget it is a hostile environment. One slip and somebody can die. We all have to recognize when we can't put the black suit on any more. Now make the choice. Donnie Young Cloud IX Washington, DC DISCLAIMER: This message and any attachments are solely for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, use or distribution of the information contained herein is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and immediately delete this message and any attachments. In the event this document(s) contains technical data within the definition of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or Export Administration Regulations, it is subject to the export control laws of the U.S. Government. Transfer of this data by any means to a foreign person, whether in the United States or abroad, without an export license or other approval from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce, is prohibited.