Good advice HMurphey. The boat is in my storage until things thaw out here, but I'll check the items you mentioned with the front beam when I get it out.

Yes, I know I'm overweight for the boat, but this is just a recreation type boat. Yes, the boat sails much better with my wife or other lighter friends on it with me, but it just happens that the 2 guys that are my "regulars" are closer to 200#'s. Unless I find a sweet deal on a 19 or 20 (anyone with one want to trade for an 18? ;o) ), I don't really have plans to up size from the 18.

As for putting my brother on the wire, I'll get him on the wire, but I think we'll just single trap when I take him out.