It turns out Zodiac has come out with a solid SS Oarlock pin to replace the ridiculous plastic ones (and also a retrofit kit for older model inflatables). I have the upgrade on its way to our crew member, who is joining us here in the Azores for passage to England in early August.

Huge thanks to Stephan for replying personally to me; what a great company Defender is. As I mentioned on this board several years ago, I met Stephan and his family in St Martin in 1976 back when we were all kids. The trip to St Martin was the Lance family reward for weeks of cutting and pasting the catalog together on the kitchen table. I used to love looking through that catalog with my dad and dreaming of future sailing trips.

Thanks also to all who support this board, I'd have not solved this problem without this board and my frustration brimming over yesterday after rowing in to check out a berth in the tiny marina here in Velas, Sao Jorge.

Max