Howdy, All I received a number of requests for info on the old 1978-1983 Ocean Alexander Mark-1 so I'll pass it on to the list. The Mark-1 is an evolution of the old wooden hull Alaskan pilothouse trawler. Ed Monk worked with some individuals in the Seattle area to come up with the vessel and had it built in Ocean Alexander's yard in Taiwan. It was the first vessel imported into the US by Ocean Alexander and there were about 95 built. Hull No. 1 is dated 1978 and most of the '79 and some fo the '80 models came without a bridge. They have solid glass hulls about .85" thick. I had a thruster installed in mine last year and the installer was quite surprised at the strength of the hull. Ken Morris at the Ocean Alexander Service Center on Lake Union told me that when the hulls were laid to specs if there was mat left over they routinely used it for a couple more layers. When Ken hauled my boat for some work he estimated its weight to be in the 70,000 lb range.They were a very labor intensive boat to build and in 1984 O/A discontinued the model and began the Mark-2, a much faster, lighter and simpler vessel to construct. Early boats came with 120 Lehmans. Later models have 671 Detroits, as does mine, and Cummins 555s. I know of no single engine package. There is a deep keel which helps with stability and protects the 30" props a bit. The boat has a hard chine and flat stern. I have run mine up and down the Washington coast and across the Columbia and Gray's Harbor bars many times. she can definately take more nasty water than I can. The only time I have been at all concerned was crossing the Gray's Harbor bar in a bad following/breaking sea. In that environment she'll go from her normal cruise of 8-9 knots to 13 knots on the down side of the wave in short order. Her bow is flared and she is a dry boat. At cruise we burn about 8 gph. We can go 12 but the burn increases to about 20 gph. At that speed she does not rise up but rather hunkers down and plows. Generally, the boats came in either 2 or 3 state room designs although there is currently a huge single state room model for sale in Seattle.I have been aboard at least 20 different Mark-1s and no 2 have ever been identical. They have a great layout with access to both state rooms from both the salon and pilothouse so guests can access their berths without passing through the master. Most have 2 heads and showers and washer/dryer units. They have covered walkaround decks with high gunnels and are a very safe boat at sea. The bridge and boat deck are large. My boat has 3 complete control stations, pilothouse, bridge and a wing station on the starboard side. Here's what you want to consider if you're thinking about one of these boats. You can get 50 feet of very solid, well laid out boat for about $330,000. She has a great deal of exterior teak which looks great if its kept up. But that's a lot to look bad if you don't. These 50' boats have lots of systems and unless they have been upgraded are now better than 20 years old. You can drop an easy $50,000 in these old gals in nothing flat. Electrical, plumbing, bonding, woodwork, steering all will require attention sooner or later. Many of the boats I have been on have been repowered and had new tanks installed. My 1200 gals capacity is in 4 tanks and so far seem to be in good shape. I have 500 gallon fresh water capacity. My 671-Ns have about 4,300 hours and are running fine. I have no plans to replace them. I did replace the original 12 kW Onan with a new 12 kW Northern Lights. My suggestion is to find one that has been well cared for and upgraded. You'll generally end up with far less invested than buying a beater and bringing her back to life. I could not begin to sell mine for what I have in her. If you've got the time and inclination to keep these large old boats in shape they can be a great value. Let me know if you have other specific questions. Robin G