Brian, Thanks for your eloquent argument for the merits of the cat, and catamaran motorsailer in particular. I just wonder why none of the experienced sailing cat manufacturers have moved in this direction? Leads me to suspect that building a boat that can both sail AND motor at 12 kts may not be as easy as you think. I'm sure it would find a ready market if it can be done. Henry In a message dated 3/6/2005 4:44:13 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, beiland@usa.net writes: I sincerely believe that a well conceived Motor/Sailer is the most practical, capable, comfortable, safe, economical vessel for serious ocean passagemaking......while retaining the ability to fully explore the most remote, and often shallow coastal regions of the water world. <snipped>