David, I sent you a copy of the Powerboat Reports article. (For others interested, I'm still happy to send it out as e-mail - if your mail will accept HTML. However, I've now added a reasonable facsimile of the article to my website which can be seen at: www.geocities.com/snodoglog/PDQ-34_Report.html ) As for binoculars, I did, last fall splurge on a pair of those fancy stabilized ones to augment my old stand-by's, Steiner 7 x 30's. I went for the Fujinon Techno-Stabli's after reading various reviews. They are in fact nothing short of amazing, allowing one to see clearly even from a PDQ fly-bridge in 4' beam seas! The only downside is their weight, they weigh almost 3 lbs. I find, in calm conditions, I still prefer to grab the old Steiners (which weigh 20 oz), but when the going gets tough those fancy Fuji's are pretty nifty. As for PFD's, we've got some inflatables - which are actually left over from my ultra-light seaplane adventures. I think they're called Sos-penders - they're supposed to inflate automatically when they hit the water. (I'm not sure if they're still made, but West marine has similar models). They are comfortable to wear, but I've never actually had the occasion try one out in the water. Other than that, we've got some wearable type III vests we hand out to guests when conditions warrant. Buena suerte, Henry _www.geocities.com/snodoglog_ (http://www.geocities.com/snodoglog) In a message dated 3/8/2007 7:01:38 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, dmnoel@buckeye-express.com writes: Henry, Thanks for the heads up on the new PDQ 34 review. It was good to see one more example of why the boat has proven so popular. It also makes it easier to understand why owners such as yourself are such zealous advocates. I'll take you up on your offer of receiving a copy of the piece, I'm too impatient to wait for PDQ to post it. For a couple of months now I've been exploring the world of motor cruising catamarans on the web, preparatory to my wife's retirement in 2009 (I retired in 2000) and the possible inclusion of some catamaran cruising in our new lives. We've owned smaller motor and sailboats over the years and been guests on a couple of larger ones, but now I'm following the adventures of such people as you to get a second-hand taste of seasonal cruising on something a bit larger. Please keep up the SnoDog log, as it makes enjoyable, and informative, reading. Your postings give me the impression that you very willing to share your experience. Thus, I'm adding two specific questions to this e-mail in the hopes you will be willing to comment. While boat buying is probably a year or two away, getting some gear that we could use then and sooner if we go ahead and participate in some chartering or trawler instruction. So, what are your recommendations concerning binoculars (especially the traditional vs. image-stabilized models) and what about PFD that would be comfortable and convenient enough so that we would really wear them and thus have them on in case of an accident? Any information or opinions would be appreciated. Meanwhile, best wishes on future SnoDog cruising. David. <BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.