I haven't replied because I too am waiting for Doug to answer this one. As forum administrator I don't want to respond Pavlovian like to every inquiry. I agree knowledge and training are desired over "stuff." My gear is a sickening mix of state of the art, used,homemade, surplus and traditional. Instructor Mors Kochanski says " It takes one personality to get into a situation, and paradoxically an entirelly different one to get out of it" I am paraphasing, but it applies to laymen in any activity. I once took a boating party onboard my ancient 36'MLB. One lady was very nervous leaving their state of the art ( but rapidly sinking) powerboat for my 'relic.' "Is this thing safe? Oh yes ma'm, this cutter was made by your generation in 1939 and it's still afloat. Oh, and have you been doing this long? yes ma'm, I qualified 3 days ago." <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />