Nice new video from Brian out cruising Cat 2 Fold. http://cat2fold.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/charette-family-adventure-2013/

Part of reorganizing this business so I don’t spend all my time in the post office was to raise to price of print study plans so they finally pay their way.  And to introduce e-study plans. The first part was done, but not the second yet I see.

I thought of a workaround until it is done. If you want an e-study plan, order the design book and declare that you live somewhere overseas like Botswana. Then email me noting that you did order book but that you want a particular study plan. I only need your email address to send them to. There are only three designs that have no e-study plans but they will be phased out soon with all the time I will have now.

Most people consider Howard Apollonio to be a naval architect most known for sober and reliable large power yachts. Few know that my friend Howard was (and probably is still, but hidden) a catamaran crazy. He designed and build this back in 1966. Pretty wild.  Find Howard at  http://apollonionavarch.com/  The text parts are not online and longish so cannot be included now.

Howard was also the PE tasked with structural review of my lunar lander project.  The building department agreed that there was probably not a single civil PE in my state that knew anything about composite construction.  They did accept that Howard would understand everything about my building at a glance, and he is a PE.  One funny side story.  In his letter about the project he noted that the lunar lander could tumble some distance and survive.  And it turned out it actually did.

Again there are composites classes available at Fiberlay in Seattle. Basic Composite & Mold Making Training Classes!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
9am – 3pm
Fiberlay – Seattle
see http://www.fiberlay.com/emailblast/TrainingClasses-3-22-14.jpg

In the past my builders could get in for free by registering as one of my builders.  Then Fiberlay began hiring the instructors from corporate and it had to cost.  Not sure status now but give it a try.

Its AmCon Expo time again. It is “AmCon exhibitors are all job shops and contract manufacturers that provide custom metal, plastic, rubber and electronic parts and finishing services to OEMs.” I find it very interesting and will be there for my locale April 9-10. Is free if you sign up.  See other locations in link below.
http://www.amconshows.com/

I got this wonderful picture from Vision Winter in Panama City now. I assume that is Panama and not the panhandle. Two of my cruising cat designs meet while out cruising. Nice image and nice thought. A stretched 53′ on the right and a 60′.  The 53 is Durakore and the 60′ is foam/glass construction.

I just spoke to PayPal on phone. Very different than when the bot services you. Decided in my favor, but for an unexpected reason. It was not the I had emails proving he got the e-plans; which he specifically requested. It was that the plans were emailed. “Intangibles are not covered by a claim.” Damn. I did not know that. I have always said that IBEX needs seminars on e-commerce, but they always ignore me.

Guest noted “Your day didn’t suck.” Only can see on Face though. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10203708612215677&set=vb.1228905489&type=2&theater

42′ cat often seen here.  At SLO.

Less expensive plastic bushings at http://www.igus.com/iglide .
Only up to 3″ diameter if I remember, but could be useful in many applications.

I should probably bag it and get a job at Elliot Bay Design. Design office is already is lucky to get to zero every month and have more work than I can possibly do. Then this. Paypal came back and took full plans funds from last year away from me. One fellow from Greece bought plans for a foam/glass powercat last year. He decided he wanted to build it from timber. I told him was unwise for high speed powercat but he could do what he wants. He later demanded that I revise the entire planset to meet his requirements at no cost to him. I told him that would be bad practice. He got Paypal to give him all his money back. So he has the plans and paid nothing. I am wiped out here. Some 6 jobs say they will start soon, but not yet. Maybe time to get a real job. There is really no defense aginst thieves. If anyone comments that is unprofesssional to share this; too bad. It affects everything else in the office. Look where being professional has gotten me. I will have to re-appraise this for a while.

Already reeling from a sudden rash of people demanding more than 60% stock plans price discounts or the project will not go forward.  Where does this come from?  Do I over charge already?