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Radio Active: Why VHF Is Here To Stay VHF radios have come a long way over the last few years. If you haven't seen the latest offerings on the market, you will be amazed at the features and capabilities now available. This article details a variety of features and qualities of several radios and includes a brief primer on their corresponding antennas. Today's radios offer clear communication, weather checks, position signals, and other integrated safety and navigation features-and cost much less than you might imagine. By Jeff Hummel

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Beneteau USA & Its Swift Trawler When French yachtbuilder Groupe B?n?teau decided to open a building facility in the United States, its principals didn't simply select a town with wide open spaces. The story behind how Beneteau USA got to Marion, South Carolina, the community of its employees, and the end results (including the Swift Trawler 42) is all part of a bigger picture that has heart, soul, and joie de vivre. By Bill Parlatore

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Getting The Shaft: Propeller Shaft And Alignment Know-How In our previous two issues, PMM's Technical Editor provided an overview of the basic concepts, terminology, selection, and servicing of props. But as you know, a proper understanding of your running gear wouldn't be complete without an in-depth look at the component that turns your propellers: the shaft. This article completes the running-gear circle, so to speak, and once you've read it, you will have a true grasp on the system that moves your trawler. By Steve C. D'Antonio

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Circling North America's Eastern Half Among American cruisers, the completion of the famous Great Circle Route is perhaps the most sought-after cruising dream of all. What is it about this slice of America that captures the hearts of so many cruisers? The compilation of stories relating to the Great Circle Route in this issue will have you clamoring to join the ranks of those who have made this remarkable voyage. By Natalie Friton

84	Memories Of A Lifetime Cruising, as all of life's experiences, creates memories; in fact, these memories get even sweeter with time. In this story, Ann Craigmile looks fondly back at the voyage that she and her family completed just a few years ago. By Patti Clausen

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Summer School: Growing Up En Route Some cruisers spend years undertaking this adventure, but the Clausen family took advantage of their kids' summer vacations and completed the route over a series of summers. This approach enabled their children to experience America's waterways and complete the adventure without interrupting their formal education. By Patti Clausen

94	A Great Club For The Great Lakes You could spend years cruising the Great Lakes, and the famous Great Lakes Cruising Club would be one of your best resources. Learn how this esteemed club came into being and why it can be so valuable to you if are heading into these waters. By Justin L. Moran

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Locking Through: What Works, What Doesn't Many waterways around the world require boat owners to "lock through" while transiting between navigable waters of varying elevations. It can be scary for the novice, but if you do your homework and learn what to expect, you'll lock through like a pro! By Robert Doyle

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Cruising America's Western Rivers The stretch of rivers from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico is always an adventurous cruise, but it becomes even more challenging when your goal is to bring home your new boat! Stepping aboard their brand spanking new PDQ cat, the Mensels embarked on a trip home. Under way, they learned about their boat and themselves. By David E. Mensel

110	Along the Edge: Mobile to Fort Myers If you cross the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi Delta to Florida, take your time and explore the many destinations along the way. There is much to see, so take it all in! By Alan LLoyd

116	The Downeast Circle Most Great Circlers turn west at New York's Erie Canal. But for those who have a little wiggle room in their schedules, the Downeast Circle merits a detour around Canada's Maritime Provinces. By Andrea and Chuck Wistar

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Slow Boat To Wisconsin: From the Erie Canal Westward Though hoping to truck their new trawler home from Florida, Wisconsinites Michele and Randy Bergstrom found their plan dimensionally challenged. Undaunted, the couple enlisted family as crew-Michele shares the Erie end of the delivery. By Michele Bergstrom

134	Three Years On The Circle John and Marge Dawson lived aboard their Eagle 32 for three consecutive summers while completing this fantastic voyage. At the end of each season, they anxiously anticipated the following summer's new ports, new friends, and new memories. By John A. Dawson

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Running The Inlet Offshore cruising has its risks and challenges, but negotiating coastal and river inlets requires just as much concentration and skill?perhaps more. Tom's years on the water will help you feel more in control if you find yourself between a rock and a hard place to get into. By Tom Neale