Lugger/Northern Lights and Deer are brand names. The motors and blocks used by the respective companies include some made in Japan, so it's important you know exactly what your buying. I found a very important thing to have was someone I trusted, who was capable of getting me anything, anywhere in the world. For me that was Barb at Hatton in Seattle. When we needed extra parts in Panama I had a friend go to Hatton and pick up a bag of stuff from Barb and put it in his carry-on luggage, marked "spares for yacht in transit". Didn't have any problems, but I suspect if his carry-on had been inspected there could have been an issue or two. Anyway, one more comment, don't let your lack ability to tear down and reassemble every mechanical part of your boat stop you from living this dream. Make choices that are appropriate for your desire to take risks. For Marian and I the single most important choice we made was to set our sights on a near coastal voyage rather than cross an ocean. By the time we got to Panama and I made the 1,000 mile passage to Key West, the boat was proven, I was proven, and ready. Getting there was our sea trial where we acquired the skills to make that leg of the trip. Another key decision was to travel with another boat for 4,000 miles, which provided not only social value but an extra set of eyes at night and the knowledge that if we needed assistance at sea, there was someone with us who could render aid, or moral support. Choosing a Nordhavn was part of the process to reduce risk, but came at an expense, one we were willing to take. We knew the boat was designed to accomplish a trip of this nature. Had we chosen another boat we would have had to spend a significant amount of time making sure her systems were up to the task, which would have shortened our already narrow 2 year window. By the way, all this talk of technical issues pales in comparison to the other challenges that stop you from making this adventure a reality. The plane and simple truth is that family and health issues stop more dreams than anything else. Also, take heed fellow male skippers, if you aren't tuned into your life partner and his/her needs you may complete this journey only to find your life partner doesn't want any part of this life. I am blessed with a spouse that embraced the voyage, and is thrilled to be back on land close to her children. We are both very happy and satisfied that we did this when we could and didn't wait till our 60's to head out. Yup, we did what we set out to do and are really happy to be back on land. I must admit, I'm looking forward to my next boat purchase, but like Alanui, it will be designed for a very different purpose, cruising the PNW and later Alaska. Take care, Scott Scott E. Bulger, Boatless in Seattle