----- Original Message ----- I've recently come to the conclusion, from the undeniably small sample of three, that all Marine Trader owners ought to be sure that their boats are equipped with back braces. Neighbor Glenn Carter has an MT-44, same year as mine (1979) and he had back surgery two weeks ago. Last week, a friend, Jim Saul, who owns an MT-38, similar vintage, came aboard and needed a back brace from work he had been doing while building a fuel polishing system. This week, after sanding and priming two decks over the fore and aft cabins, I am unable to straighten up without a back brace. These black nylon, plastic, and velcro supports are sold at Home Depot and they are worth their weight in gold when you need them. I think I am going to buy two for general inventory on the boat, and they may even prevent some future back aches. Are there any other trawler-crawlers out there that seem to get a lot of back pain from chores on their boats or is it just me? Any quick and dirty home remedies or cures worth sharing? Martin I. Veiner Answer: Situps prior to a lot of bending work will prevent a backache from occuring -- however, a back brace is quicker. Al Kirsinas Norland LA, CA

> Answer: Situps prior to a lot of bending work will prevent a backache from > occuring -- however, a back brace is quicker. The problem with the back brace is that the more you become dependant on the brace, the less you use the muscles you are equipped with. Al is right, exercise is a better way to strengthen your muscles and provide flexibility. It is also important to change positions frequently and keep those muscles from staying in one position. Sometimes I will work on a project for a certain length of time, then stop and work on a different project, so I don't end up with a back ache from being in one position for too long a time. Andy Andy & Linda Woods Grand Folly 1970 Grand Banks 36 Classic Georgetown, MD awoods@surfbest.net