Lester, I think you had a great idea but did not go far enough with
it. She who must be obeyed (SWMBO) and I are looking for the perfect
boat. We are following grandma Rosilies advice taking lessons, renting
as many different boats as we can and badgering everyone we know for
opinions.

What would be really useful is if people could say why their boat is
perfect for them. There is one chap in this thread who did this and it
provided excellent information.

My circumstances have changed considerably in the thirty years that
have passed since I spent any serious time messing around in boats.
When I was young spending three days sleeping(?) in the cockpit in a
screaming wind and pelting rain was an adventure that could be redeemed
in beers once port was reached. Now adventure is finding that Safeway
has my favorite whiskey at half price.

I know that our needs are for a level of comfort and roominess that
thirty years ago I would have considered bourgeois in the extreme.

In the same general vein does anyone have any suggestion as to how to
find a charter that would expose us to a little bit of brisk weather.
I am not talking about hurricane chasing here but it would be nice to
see how the boat handles in some moderately serious weather with
someone at the helm that knows her.

thanks Shawn