I do not feel qualified or capable of using a gun in self defense. In line with the wisdom of several posters, we will not have such weapons on board. Bob and others mentioned other forms of defense and situational awareness plans. I would like to hear more about the preparations and plans others have used and found effective in this regard. More stuff like the "talk to someone on the radio" and the "don't let anyone come too close while at sea" are helpful. Some people mentioned using the weapon to scare off a thief. Does anyone have alarm systems, have they been effective? We are developing our own alert system and escalated response plan. Have any of you that have gone cruising formalized your security and response procedures? -Wray Wray West M/V Anjumal (Cape Horn 65) Portsmouth, NH www.anjumal.com