thats where i ended up, in the end i didnt want to give up the cockpit its really just the right size and although it is smaller then the one in my 34 i think its just right. I had thought i read somewhere that the Thunder series was laid up slightly lighter then the Excels, even though the 377 is heavier they were not as well built as later boats. Now a staggered 43 Scarab . . . that where its at :D