Ken, thanks for sharing this info. Your description makes it easy to visualize the difference between the two boats. Heavier being better! Even in our 35 ton boat, when we have a full load of fuel and water (5-1/2 and 2-1/2 tons respectively) it does make a difference that can be felt. Your upcoming passage sounds like a real adventure - we'll look forward to hearing about it. John "Seahorse" In a message dated 1/23/2009 9:39:13 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, kenw@talkspot.com writes: John (Seahorse) said: "... Question - how does your 68 compare to the 62 in a head sea?..." It's impossible to really compare the two boats accurately. We sold our 62 nearly five years ago, and I have such fond memories of it, that it is difficult to be objective. But, I'll do my best... The N68 is amazing going into head seas. I've never seen a boat take head seas as well, and I have a few theories as to why: - The "center of pitch" on the N68 is closer to the middle. This helps keep the bow down. Because the 62 has it's fulcrum point further aft, the long bow has to move up and down more (imagine a teeter-totter, with an off center fulcrum). - The 62 has a bulbous bow, and the 68 does not. The bulbous bow on the 62 is an older technology than what is being used today, and has a tendency to slap the water on re-entry. - Weight is certainly a factor in the difference in the ride. The 62 weighs sixty tons, whereas the 68 weighs over 100 tons. - The twin engines in my 68 may be a factor. I've never had the boat slow down when punching into head seas, unless I slowed it down, or a current did. I have plenty of power available, and the twin props take a big bite at the sea. Despite my saying that it is impossible to directly compare the boats, we're about to do it! Two 62s (Grey Pearl and Seabird) as well as my 68 (Sans Souci) will be running the Bering Sea, backwards, this July. We'll be battling a head sea, and head wind, side by side for a couple thousand miles. Overall we'll be running together for over five thousand miles. My guess is that by the time we arrive in Japan we'll have some good quantitative information about how the boats compare in every type of condition imaginable. I'm just hoping that my stomach fares as well as either model of boat. Ken Williams Sans Souci, Nordhavn 68 www.kensblog.com **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De cemailfooterNO62)