Bill Thank you for your thorough answer. Which leads me to the practical reason the question was asked in the first place! In real life cruising conditions, should we seek the lightest possible build or does the associated weight sensitivity suggest that a heavier boat is more practical. Also is a heavier boat more sea- kindly. I know these are subjective questions. But how much extra power (and fuel) would a seasoned traveller be prepared to accept for cruising conveniences? Gary