Just back from a week in southeast Alaska, I saw many aluminum cats - something you rarely see on the East Coast. They appear to be rugged and utilitarian - and apparently good at handling the weather they get up there. I posted some photos on my website. An aluminum powercat (complete with lowerable landing-barge type bow) can be seen at: www.geocities.com/snodoglog/Alaska-Pg3.html The photo was taken in Sitka, AK. On that page as well, are some photos of the cruise ship lifeboats (also used as tenders). These are 40' fiberglass powercats - apparently built in Italy. Henry Clews PDQ 34 Sno' Dog Hanover, NH www.geocities.com/snodoglog .............................................................................. ...........................