I'm still confused as to why we as end users would have knowledge of production issues? We aren't IN the factory? If we have a problem, we send the boat back to the dealer and get him to fix it - that's what we pay him for. We don't know what in the factory happened to create the problem - that's for the internal QC guy. See what I mean?

Now your question might be better directed to someone like Matt Miller, the Hobie rep - he works for the factory.

Both Ian Farrier and James Wharram are online. www.f-boat.com and www.wharram.com respectively

Neither Farrier nor Wharram have any bones about telling it like it is with respect to who builds their designs. Both are VERY EXTREMELY protective about builders and are quick to tell homebuilders to not even think about deviating from their plans.

more examples: Farrier is not very enamoured of Corsair even though they've been 'divorced' for some time and isn't very happy about Corsair moving production to Vietnam.

If you go to the Wharram site or read Wharram's articles he is constantly making the point about quality of production whether it be from hired builders or homebuilders.

I am just familiar with those two because I own(ed) their boats and read their articles. But as an end user I can't speak to issues they have faced in regards having their designs produced.

This is your reputation as a builder on the line, should you be doing this for a living. think about it. If you have to ask, maybe shouldn't go there?

Sorry I offended you, but this seems obvious to me. I am all about people paying their way, having been burned by a 'free ad' kinda guy, but that's another story...