Tim Bennet wrote: I grew up crewing small mono-hulls (35' and down) and driving small open boats on the Hudson River and Atlantic Ocean. You haven't lived until you over an hour out in the Atlantic in a handmade 22' dory in fog so thick you can't see the bow. I live in North Texas now and what they call a lake here would not be a creek back east. I'll be retiring soon and plan to spend most of it on the water. First up would be the Great Loop. I'd like to avoid the canals, but may not be able to buy enough boat to handle the Atlantic north of the intercoastal water way. I'd sail, but my wife has little experience past canoes. Power Cat seems like the way to go. ------- You bet! For more and more people, power catamarans are the better way to go. Welcome aboard the List! I'm sure it will be prove to be a useful resource for you as you decide on the right boat for your purposes. --Georgs -- Georgs Kolesnikovs Power Catamaran World http://www.powercatamaranworld.com