Thoroughly agree with Hanna Venermos's shopping list but like others would insist on a radar. I have done more than my fair share of watch keeping on big ships in the days before radar was standard and more than enough deep sea time on recreational vessels sweating it out in thick for to appreciate it's necessity but you only need a reliable basic set not a 72 mile radar when the mast height will only produce a 24 mile. As said by other posters, an autopilot is a nice addition particularly for a short handed boat, if it ever goes to sea long enough to need it. All up, a little less than $20,000 will provide everything you need. Anything above that is only gaining bragging rights in mortgage alley. The same philosophy applies to buying the boat, cut out the garbage considered essential by the marketing department who have probably never gone beyond the breakwater, and you have saved at least 30%. By the way, what's all this about satellite phones and follow me TV antennas didn't you go sea to get away from it all? Bob Keltic Marine Group 126 Shore Club Road Hubbards, NS, Canada B0J 1T0 Tel: 902-858-3366 Seahunter Patrol Boats www.kelticstar.com