Dan,
that sounds great. I am planning on coming up in '05 though, not '04. Apparently I have other priorities and can't jump up to Alaska whenever I feel like it (at elast that's what my wife says

.
I do have one buddy in AL and my buddy in AK who is in on the trip. The rental idea was in case he couldn't go. So, I can't commit to anything at this point because of the other guys.
(you can't beat a live aboard, though can you???)
thanks,
Brian