Seeking advice on boat selection: It seems to me from the research I've done that a person could get a nice mid-80s vintage Mainship 36 Double Cabin with a large salon, galley and dinette down, twin engines, and a fly bridge for $50,000-$75,000. The bridge clearance is good (as low as 11'3" without a flybridge bimini top up), the draft is only 2'2", which would let you go just about anywhere. The twin engines give me a sense of comfort that I don't necessarily have with a single engine. I can't anything out there about the fuel efficiency. I know the cruising speed is way higher than is usually necessarily or even legal on most of the great loop--the cruise seems to be 17 knots. I have no idea how much fuel it burns at cruising speed, must less the more typical 7-10 knots I might run. Anyone out there have a Mainship? Opinions? Things to be aware of? Initially, I'll probably just cruise her up and down the Mississippi a little, and eventually set off on the loop. Your input is appreciated. While you're at it, please chime in if you have any other suggestions of boats that I should look at. I have $50-75 to invest. I'd like two staterooms (one can be a vee-berth), and I rather like having the galley down, but it's not a requirement. More ideas? Thanks for your input. Feel free to respond to the board or my email directly. Best wishes, N.L. Bradford _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com