Bob Austin wrote: What I see happening, is that people are substituting technology for proper training and knowelge in recreational boats. There are certainly more boats cruising--and in some places boaters getting into trouble because it is "so easy". REPLY I believe one reason for the reliance on technology is that it's so easy to buy an legally operate a boat. Therefore, the untrained new boater uses technolgy rather than training. The reason may be due to lack of knowledge of the options or the assumption that modern electronics is all that's required. I take the time to know new boaters at our marina and to offer helpful information to increase their knowledge, make our waters safer and potentially protect my own boat. Gil "Dog's Life" Nordhavn 35