Unfortunately piracy, like the string of burglaries that prompted Michael's inquiry is a experience we don't schedule on our social calenders. There are many, many precautions we can take for both. Modern pirates are after the boat and it's contents. Shooting it up in a running gun battle is counterproductive. Like any prey animal the energy expended vs potential gain or conversely injury might encourage them to look elsewhere. Unless they board under cover of darkness, there is ample time and distance to discuss matters. Afghan Moujhahadin armed with SMLE's and even ancient flintlocks easily sniped soviet troops armed with the famed, but shorter rang Ak-47. As an example, I was on summer patrol in my ancient 36' MLB and encountered a much faster vessel with a inebriated 'operator' discharging a Ruger Mini 14. He KNEW we were normally unarmed in those days and ignored my hails. Well, we did have 1917 Remington action line throwing rifles. We put a bronze projectile into his flying bridge. He sobered up very quickly. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />