The ability to branch off into subtopics makes it easy to carry on with new thoughts, or when browsing, to find something of interest. I wouldn't trade that for anything.

As for getting "new blood"... in the olden days, we had Cruising World Magazine to introduce new people to the forum. That source has been gone for a long time. There are probably ways to increase our visibility on the web but we'd better be careful what we wish for!

What I love about this board is that I can get trustworthy advice on just about any boating topic without wading through a lot of sludge to find it. In return, it's my duty to share hat I know (or think I know!).

That's the beginning. Then there are the incredible photos of people out adventuring on their boats, building and restoring cool stuff, sharing their cautionary tales, and discussing some of the more philosophical topics like what it takes to keep family members interested in cruising. The list of great threads is very long. Where's Dr. Electron these days?

I certainly have my lapses on here when the rest of life impinges on boat related stuff.

There's plenty more to talk about. My solar panels have been keeping up the batteries since the end of August. Now I finally have a new Victron shore charger which I must install and program. Anyone have experience with that?

And Susie and I just signed up for a cruising club event of a different sort. Next fall we'll be a couple weeks in the Ionian Sea aboard Kairos, a 124' schooner. That will be a lot of fun but very different from the sailing/cruising we've done in the past.

Yes, plenty to talk about.