When we bought our Hylas 49 "Galatea of Lune", in 2000 we spent several weeks thinking very carefully about the right company to supply and install the electronics. We spoke to several companies and got two detailed quotes, but in the end had no hesitation in going with Dave LaLonde at Lamplighter Marine. The price was competitive but the main reason for the decision was the personal attention and service that we thought we would get when compared to larger outfits. We could not have been more right! An installation of this size and complexity begins with the quality of advice about systems and components. Dave's thorough and intimate knowledge of the alternatives, practical experience of sailboat electronics and his excellent relationship with the manufacturers, made the planning and design a dream. He tactfully steered us away from grandiose excess that we would have subsequently regretted (even though more profitable for him) but insisted that we didn't cut corners or make false economies. He patiently talked us through the inevitable changes of mind and was always available personally to deal with the finer details. The work was completed well within schedule and was of a very high quality. Everything was thorough, neat and seamanlike. Nothing had to be re-done. There were never any gaps between Dave and his staff - everyone was thoroughly familiar with what was being asked of them. Nor (uniquely in my experience) were there any conflicts with the other tradesmen who were working on the boat at Summerfield. Above all one had the impression of a small, highly motivated and professional team who put customer satisfaction ahead of everything else. Sea trials were thorough and exhaustive but the most startling aspect of working with Lamplighter Marine is their quite amazing after sales service. An e-mail enquiring about a malfunction or the performance of equipment (often equipment installed by Queen Long or relating to electrical systems generally rather than electronics) is met with an instant, helpful and very detailed response. We left Florida for the Bahamas and the Caribbean early in 2001. Subsequently we have been through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific to New Zealand and are now en-route to Thailand via Micronesia, the Philippines and Singapore. In logging 20,000 miles we have had relatively few problems with any of the equipment (mainly Raytheon) but when we have, a phone call or e-mail to Dave LaLonde has brought an immediate and reassuring response. When items have failed replacements have been forthcoming under warranty immediately - and always with Lamplighter ensuring that their customer was treated well by the supplier. Thus we have had, completely free of charge, an RN300 GPS and not one but two replacement R80 CRC radars in four years. On the difficult passage from New Zealand to Fiji last month we lost the autohelm and all the electronics 600 miles from land at 2am on a very dark and stormy night with 35 knot winds and 5 metre seas. My Iridium call to Dave out of hours at his home number brought calm as he quietly and confidently talked me through the fix (the Seatalk and power cables to a remote instrument in an especially wet area of the boat had shorted). The comfort being certain that the person who knows the installation most intimately will always be there to help and at once is of inestimable value. Remember that the incident I have described (and there have been others not too dissimilar) took place nearly four years after the original installation - if there was a Galatea golden globe for exceptional service it would go, absolutely without a second's hesitation, to Lamplighter Marine. Appointing them was quite simply the best decision in the purchase of this boat that I have made. If any prospective Hylas owner would like to contact me personally I would be very glad to amplify my view and suggest electronic systems that we have found most valuable. Please do so at zqwj5@sailmail.com David Martin sv Galatea of Lune Vanuabalavu, The Lau Group, Fiji