Hi Ken, Good to see you are having fun with the SS. You know, I have seen the term "balance bracing" repeatedly and I think I know what it involves, but I have no idea of the purpose. Is is just to stay stable in the water at a stand still? I was just looking for your Outer Island photo on digitalnature at the weekend (I had it bookmarked) and it's not there anymore. Post a few OI pics when you post the shooting star. JJ.