Cary, where did that 5.5 end up anyway? Get the Blade, I'm saving my pennies for one too, then we old farts can race each other...to the keg. The Blade would be great for your daughter to crew for you, I intend to take mine with me, and Chuck and Matt both have young girls to crew too...we could have a Father/Daughter regatta! Make the kids drive, let the mom's have the day off at the pool!