[Intentional Drifter]

$1200 for the controller. That actually sounds cheap, once you've priced out a Volvo saildrive!

That's another reason I like the 420 -- no saildrives! Simple shaft, and no tranny. Any of you guys note what sort of shaft seal system they used? I'm hoping the old traditional, and reliable.

RE: Delivery dates; it is somewhat of a dilemma. Basically, most of France goes on holiday in August. Without advance preparation and a couple of mafioso for help, getting anything done in August is not likely. The point analagous to the Monday-Friday cars is interesting. Do I want someone who's just daydreaming about vacation, or someone who just got back? I think I'll take the "just got back".

Another issue is actually trying to get out of the Bay of Biscay (assuming you are picking up at the factory, like us). The best times are supposed to be in June and July, with increasing risk of Atlantic gales and what can be very rough seas as the year progresses, particularly into November. (I have no wish to witness what this photo illustrates!) It is 300 miles of lee shore! That's the problem with receiving the boat in mid to late Sept. I'm figuring at least a month, probably 6 weeks, to complete outfitting and shakedown while close to the factory. That puts us getting out of France in late October - early November. No, thanks.

So, if that turns out to be the date, then we're thinking about delaying delivery until March. That actually would let us spend some time in the Med, maybe even go ahead and spend a year there.

What do you folks think?

ID