Hello List: Having read and learned from this list for many months, if not years, and asking lots of question about motors, marinas and passages, I reported our purchase of a 46' trawler a couple months ago. Our plan was to move it from point-of-purchase in Fort Lauderdale to an affordable slip in Palacios, Texas where I could begin a major restoration and improvement project. Many of you provided great insight and valuable information and if any of you remember contributing to my knowledge base, I just wanted to let you know that we finally did complete the delivery. My wife has referred to it as a "shake-up" cruise rather than a shake-down, but nonetheless we were successful. The trip was every bit the daunting challenge I anticipated, but we learned a great deal more about boats, cruising and ourselves then I ever would have hoped. It was a 1300 nm odyssey of new experiences everyday. It took 3 times as long as estimated with various unexpected hurtles, but that in-itself taught us a lesson. My wife kept a blog and updated the record of our experience regularly. I would be honored if anyone would care to take a look. I believe it is a fair assessment of our journey and a better description than I could offer. http://MVRefugio.blogspot.com Most recent posts come first, so the beginning is at the end. Why it works that way, I don't know. Once again, thanks for all the advice and knowledge that you all so graciously shared. Now I have 60+ digests of T&T to catch up on. - Tom Hofmann MV Refugio