----- Original Message ---- From: Scott E. Bulger <scottebulger@comcast.net> To: Mike Sandiland <mike@crownoffices.com>; Passagemaking Under Power List <passagemaking-under-power@lists.samurai.com> Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 9:27:22 AM Subject: Re: [PUP] The Global Adventure >When >I asked the other owners if they wanted an open or closed forum the vast >majority said they preferred a closed one. They wanted to avoid the kind of >questions you get in a general forum like "how long does a diesel engine >last". They wanted to make sure the issues were relevant to their boats, >and that's why they preferred it be closed. The Willard Boat Owners chat list is open to everyone. Everyone is welcome except spammers. Today our list has 523 members which includes a few Nordhavn owners and several non boat owners. We have our share of PHD's, MD's, and professionals as Willard owners, just like any other list. We just don't shout it from the rooftop. Most of the discussion revolves around issues specific to Willard trawlers, sailboats, and military conversions. But matters of general interest are also discussed. Peter Pisciotta and John Reitzhammer do a wonderful job of moderating our list. We have been in existence for over 5 years and we average about 150 posts a month. Willard owners are brutally honest about their boats - the pros and the cons, warts and all, and above all dissenting opinions from members about various issues with regards to the boats. Our group is not sponsored in any way by Willard Marine, Inc. We jealously guard our independence. The members feel it is important to hold an open forum so that anyone who might wish to purchase a Willard boat will have a true appreciation for what the boats are, for better or worse. Yes, we do discuss how long a diesel engine will last. Some of the engines in Willards are still going strong after 40 plus years. We do not want to give the appearance of being "cliquish" or aloof or that we are superior in any way to any other owner or boat brand. We are a friendly group if you would like to give us a look see. We can be found at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/willardboatowners/ Patrick Willard 40PH ALOHA La Paz, MX