Kevin--Is your stove by chance a Vermont Castings, seeing you are from Vermont? I had a Vigilant shipped up to Mn., where I live, 25 years ago. It was, at one time, used a lot but, as of lately, only in emergencies and sub-zero weather. It is like an old friend, to be sure. Very efficient and warm. Ah, yes. I am a newbee and soon to be cat owner. Somebody from our Miata club was given one 2 years ago and never used it. He heard that I liked sailboats so he offered it to me for FREE. I live in a city that has two beautiful lakes. One big one that allows all type of watercraft and a smaller one with an island that doesn't allow motorized boats. I've seen the cat only in pictures so far. It's 14 ft long x 7 ft wide and comes with a trailer. It is medium blue with white top side. It has a small circular decal on the side of the hull towards the back end. It is white with a red circle around it and something red in the middle. This is all I can see in the picture. The sails have been always kept inside and are in good shape. Hopefully, all the rigging(?) has been kept up, too. This person lives along the St Croix river by Hastings, so it is a long drive from my home in southcentral Mn. To put it all in a nutshell, I'm completely green and don't know beans about sailing. I'm by myself and won't be able to have a crew. I'm 54, so no spring chicken. Do I dare go for it??? Thanx for the input.

[color:"blue"] [/color] Tudy