John: > I for one would like to see them push manufacturers to provide > stability data (even if its just modeled data) on any boat that claims > to be suitable for passagemaking. There are programs that can > estimate it based on detailed manufacturer inputs, and that should be > one of the basis for comparison of boats. But its data that is rarely > available for trawlers, or what data is there is presented in such a > way that its hard to compare. I completely agree! I raced sailboats across the Pacific several times and there are very objective (though certainly not foolproof or singularly definitive) measures, like Limit of Positive Stability (LPS) that were a *requirement* for entering open-ocean races like the Pacific Cup. I would like to see trawler manufacturers specify an LPS or similar measure. Of course, a trawler isn't like a sailboat with a relatively small cockpit that can invert to 120+ degrees and shed most of the water quickly and right itself. Still, some standard, objective measure of ultimate stability would be very helpful. I got some data on my Selene through the manufacturer, but it's not published. Because many large trawler manufacturers allow owners to customize the "standard" numbers are always subject to some variation due to owner customizations, but at least it would provide a starting point for comparison. I think that would be a great "cause" for Passage Maker to take up. I'll mention it to Bob Woolridge. Also, your comments about advertisers and critical reviews of boats is right on. That's why it was sad to see the sister publication of "Practical Sailor" which was called "Powerboat Reports" go under. I still subscribe to Practical Sailor, at least in part, because they accept no advertising and can be counted on for more objective reviews of equipment (and boats--even if only sailboats). Capt. Mark Tilden "Koinonia" Selene 59