In 1979 after cruising extensively in fresh waters I and my wife decided that we wanted to do some long range ocean cruising. The previous year we attended the Miami boat show to see what was available within our means. The end result was the purchase of a 44 Marine Trader Double Cabin and International Marine Trading agreed to some factory modifications. Based on our knowledge at the time we opted for the following which would be done at boat construction time. 1) Keel lead filled added 8000 lbs. 2) Fuel tanks increased to 1200 gals 3) water tanks increased to 650 gals. 4) Cabin sides between the main windows fitted with steel beams to accept the future flopper stoppers (today's name is paravanes.) Other than these four main changes in construction the rest of the boat was basically stock. The boat was completed in May 79 and we took delivery in Aug 79. We took the boat to Long Island Sound and spent the next 5 years training ourselves for long voyages. Since the crew was to be my wife and I we trained for shifts of 6 hours on and 6 hours off. We learned as much as we could about off shore sailing including celestial navigation. Eventually in due time we outfitted the boat for off shore use. In 1984 I was terminated by the company I worked for so my wife and I decided that if we were going to go for it this was the right time. We planned our first trip to Bermuda leaving from West Falmouth, MA (Wood's Hole). In all we were gone 1 1/2 y ears going to the Azores, Madieras and the Med through to Greece. We returned the same route to Bermuda but then up to Nova Scotia, etc and back to Montreal. Since that time we have stayed in fresh water but at least we have the bragging rights to having done ocean passagemaking.when we were younger and in good health. I look forward to reading other input. Regards. Leonard Stern, INDIFFERENCE,

>Eventually in due time we outfitted the boat for off shore use. In >1984 I was terminated by the company I worked for so my wife and I >decided that if we were going to go for it this was the right time. >We planned our first trip to Bermuda leaving from West Falmouth, MA >(Wood's Hole). In all we were gone 1 1/2 years going to the Azores, >Madieras and the Med through to Greece. We returned the same route >to Bermuda but then up to Nova Scotia, etc and back to Montreal. Leonard, you're certainly a pioneer when it comes to crossing oceans in a trawler yacht, and I'm delighted to have you aboard. What are the three most important pieces of advice you would offer to those starting to think trans-Atlantic? --Georgs -- Georgs Kolesnikovs Your host at Trawlers & Trawlering, formerly Trawler World, since 1997