Rick and Tom, I looked at an Ariel as well when I was making a boating choise. I did purchase a 76 M17 which I sailed for 5 years before finding my 79 M23. I still have both. I love my M17 and hope to use her this season to explore northern Minnesota lakes. The M23 is my weekend live aboard, and a truly delightful sailboat. Welcome to our group. Bones ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!