Quote from Bob Austin >I suspect I will also have paravanes--since many passagemakers really do need some stabilization--->any comments? Just have to wade in. I have been on a hundred or so fishing boats over my life, just part of the deal growing up here on the west coast. There is a huge difference in vessel practices from a coastal gillnet or cod boat of 30 to 45 feet compared to a long liner , net boat or packer of 45 feet to 70 feet that works off shore. So just a few things I have noticed with the offshore crowd but a short list as a point. I have never seen fixed stabilizers only paravains. Never seen one with a wing engine. Annual maintenance includes cleaning there fuel tanks inside. They all have the ability to close off air to engine compartment ( fire dampeners ). Life raft certified annually. You are not allowed on the boat if you do not come with a survival suit even if there are extras on the boat. Someone has a first aid ticket. We can learn a tone from experienced successful commercial fishermen and there practices. I just don't think its a good idea for one to discount that but like pleasure craft its not black and white. These guys go to make money at any time its just there deal. I will stick with paravains , my choice. But I too am still interested in the question. Willy Invader #1 39 Kishi Conversion Passagemaker want-to-be