What I consider one of the best pieces of advice I give to people looking for boats is: What can most easily be serviced in the area where you cruise (and assume that your current dealer will change brands one day). This is one reason why I warn against foreign built yachts with only one or two service yards. What good is a warranty if it cost you a few thousand each time you bring it in or have to wait months for a part. I prefer out of waranty boats for this and several other reasons. This is also why I believe IPS has the advantage here. I just see more Volvos than Cummins and more IPS than Zeus. However Skiffy makes a very good point that a unit that can be mated to various engines would really make sense.
Skyhook. A fun item, but I see it as a big problem waiting to happen. 20 boats stacked up waiting for the locks to open and the one with skyhook goes below to make a sandwich. Thus begins a giant game of pick up sticks. And before sombody reminds me that you're required to maintain a watch, we're talking reality here.
