Study plans have always cost more in printing, post cost and time than they bring in. Its no surprise that printing and postage costs have increased sharply.
Now however about half of all study plans sent out require specialized help. The credit card might not work. A package labeled to Austria goes to Australia. A package is not delivered and I must track it down for the customer.
It turns out that I am spending almost all my time now doing special work for what should be simple orders. I really need a full time mailing person, but the economics don’t allow it.
Sometime around the first of the year, I will try and fix that. I’m busy all the time and not getting any design work done.

A nice shot of the Cat2Fold 36 folding catamaran sailing with a light downwind sail also.  Owner Brian notes that it is rare that you get a picture of you sailing your own boat.  It’s true.  I think I was only given 2 pics of the Gecko sailing the whole time I had it.

Unit #2 of the KHSD 65 catamaran ferry built by TBW is being painted here. http://www.thainboats.com/

Another nice shot of the KHSD 58 daycharter catamaran Aolani in San Diego. www.aolani.cc

Once again it is time for the serious boat show here in Seattle. It used to be known as Fish Expo as it was for fishermen. It now has the upscale name of Pacific Marine Expo. http://www.pacificmarineexpo.com/en/attend/show-schedule

Again, as my friend Steve Scheidler once noted to me there, “If this equpment fails, people die.” True. This Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Guys, I had guessed that epoxy season would  end like usual in mid October. It has been odd year. I expected to finish the work in September, but that month was the wettest one on record.  Ten times the usual rain as I recall.  Then October and now November are far better and warmer than expected. I need to take a few more days off and epoxy the lunar lander parts together before the snow actually starts. I hope everybody can wait just a few more days.

And yes, finally. Its been so long that I can’t remember, but I think these are switches, and not just lights.   I like the bright shiny things.

BocaTech Inc. http://www.bocatechinc.com/
Pan and zoom.

OK just a few more IBEX. Plastic strainers and other water handling equipment. USCG does not approve as if there is a fire, they might melt, leak and put out the fire….
USCG doesn’t understand that these boats don’t sink.  I had not seen the plastic strainers before.  I’m in favor of as little metal as possible on my designs.

Maybe everybody already knew about this; but I thought these were the first USCG certified thermoplastic fuel tanks that I have seen that were approved for use on and in COI vessels. INCA company.  

And, this just in.  Profligate just discovered the same thing; different company.  And big cash savings.  http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2013-11-04#.UngdAXCsiSo

I found these LED lit cupholders at IBEX. Utterly useless and so wonderful that I want some.  RDI company.  www.rdillc.com  203-481-7347

Just a few more IBEX things and I’m done.