This place is great. You guys can come up with the answer to most any question there is about these boats. Whether it be through a dilligent search of the archives (thanks Kyle) or personal observation AKA Rico and and Tony G (thanks again) or just having hung out here long enough to remember old posts made by others like Ebb which begs the question of C'Pete "Do you know for sure it was C-226 when the bridgedeck was added Commander Pete?" You all are willing to help. Thanks all

As far as how necessary a bridgedeck is I have to believe is based on how you sail your boat. If you sail on inland small lakes (not including the great lakes) and only in fair weather I can't see the bridge deck being as important. Especially if you sail with lots of people on board where you need the leg room. On the other hand if you are a coastal cruiser you probably want more space below deck and a smaller cockpit like the Ariel.