Dave, just read your reply re: cockpit drains. Makes me think about the tiny drains in my 1983 Hunter 34. Will do something about them before embarking even on coastal sailing. Might venture to say, Bahamas sometime in future. For now want to get some coastal experience, e.g., HHI to Charleston & back. I grew up on Great Lakes--Atlantic Ocean seems to me verrry different. I was reminded of this on a recent trip back to upstate NY, watching Lake Ontario waves lap the shore. They were so small and close spaced that it seemed I was watching a video in fast fwd from a height. Used to think they were pretty big stuff! The surveyor who went over the boat before I bought her last summer said she's not an offshore boat. Other than above type of trip, I intend to take him at his word. Enjoyed reading your conrtibutions to this forum. Appreciate you taking the time.