If one considers that a major advantage of a catamaran is its shallow draft and its ability to survive groundings unscathed. Then one also takes into account the silting up of the ICW, increased ocean debris, dead heads in the PNW, and fish pots everywhere. For a huge number of boating scenarios, would it not be prudent to avoid having your running gear hanging in such an exposed fashion under the hull? Jonah. www.jonah-art.com