Good thread with lots of thoughtful replies. One aspect I haven't seen mentioned in simply the "time" component. For the kind of short day cruise use, many boats are actually involved in, it is considerably quicker to get the boat ready and underway in a trawler than a sailboat, and much more easily done by just 1 or 2 people. Single handing a trawler, is significantly quicker and easier than most comparably sized sailboats. (No sails to raise and lower.) Makes those short cruises much more time effective, for those of us with still busy schedules. Related thought, I'm surprised there aren't more motorsailors (like a Fisher as just one example), in use. While certainly compromise boats, they do offer some of the advantages of both trawlering and sailing...especially redundant power sources...and yet ease of use while under power...and still good creature comforts. -- JH ------ Composed by sacbeemail. Get Your Free E-mail at http://www.sacbeemail.com . Or visit Northern California's premiere news and information website at http://www.sacbee.com .

jh@sacbeemail.com writes: > I'm surprised there aren't more motorsailors There is a very simple reason: PRICE! A dock neighbour has a Fisher and he could have comfortably bought a sail boat and a motor boat for what he paid for the Fisher.... George of Scaramouche