about a majority of the US boats being multihulls surprised me also. What was said about the boats from other than the USA was also interesting.

And what ever you or others think about what he said, it's his opinion. He unquestioningly has extensive experience. And his opinion is just as valid as any! And in keeping with the "keep an open mind" I tend to listen to every one! I then make up my own mind of what I do for my boat, my crew and myself. I also try not to decide on everything one says because I don't agree with one part of it.

What I was saying about the fishing boats vs the cruising boats was in relation to size of boat and use. Cruise ships (as in NCL or Princess) use autopilots, but that does not make them applicable to my boat. A blanket statement can NOT be made.

As I said my background is in aerospace. What is very good for an L-1011 or 747 works great but may be useless for an F-22, and would just be ballast on Hubble or other satellites!

I have a good friend who deals in large shrimping boats all around the world (I think he is Africa at this time). We talk about gear from time to time. He also has a large motorsailer. What works on his boats would sink mine, and drain my batteries in less than half an hour.

I just saw the post by Paul_L stating he said, "I plan to get the L&S drive, imported by PYI. These seem like bullet proof drive units at about $2500." That surprised me as it's only part of the A/P system.

That IS what I paid for our Monitor. I look back at all of the maintenance and spare parts I have used over the years, they come to about US$15.00, that's for a new set of lines, and metal polish.

Greg