Great points Bob, I do the same with Wild Wind IV. She is also very heavy with all the things I have put in her and should most likely take most of it back out. With the 1800 gallons of fuel on board she sure is less spirited. In addition to be able to go fast when one wants to, I find the ride much better at a faster speed particularly when the wind is on the beam as was expressed by the crew of Chrysalis. The ability to run for it is a great advantage as I have done in the open water like just before coming in to Ketchikan AK from the south. I can't imagine a cruising boat without an autopilot. Many times I will steer the boat with the autopilot even in rivers. Dennis Raedeke