We finally came up with a rule that we would not take anyone on a passage unless they had been aboard at least two weeks with us on a coastal cruise--and had considerable sailing experience. For the most part we have had wonderful crew and people we would take again in a heart beat. We have never had any really bad coastal experiences--but as noted alcohol is a real probelm. One couple we thought we knew farily well-- and we had to take them back to a port because abuse relationship between the two--triggered each evening by drinks--probably more than I knew of. Another issue is that the owner is responsible to get any crew back to their home...There can also be the issue of paid crew being discharged and still paid for their services. We have never had paid crew--but seen some nasty situations were the crew did not work out--and the owner fired them. The crew went to the police--owner arrested until he made arrangements to get the crew home--fully compensated for the entire voyage (even that not done) We have also seen disgruntled crew fabricate charges against owners--the possession of drugs, smuggling operations, physical abuse etc. Much caution must be used. Also consider any implications of illegal substances taken aboard by crew or guests. Bob Austin