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.
Cat2Fold Sailing
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.
Ferry #2 in Uganda being Painted
Unit #2 of the KHSD 65 catamaran ferry built by TBW is being painted here. http://www.thainboats.com/
Aolani Nice Shot
Another nice shot of the KHSD 58 daycharter catamaran Aolani in San Diego. www.aolani.cc
Fish Expo Time Again
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.
Running Late Here Again
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.
Power 38′ Trimaran Update
First run at updating the 38′ power trimaran. This first run is an update for unit #1, but will evolve into a full-on new model. I will morph the mission statement a bit also. They get better. The new wave piercing amas displace about 3000 lbs. Beam overall went up also.
D-32 Trimaran
My builders are not clubby. They do not need the reassurance of yuppie approval from a club. They set out simply building and sailing. Usually I never hear from them unless there is a problem. Roland’s extended 32′ tri is an example. What a wonderful surprise to get these pictures of a cruising trimaran in full. I do really notice the “Crowther towers” that keep the cross tubes high enough inside to get under easily. Bigger ama would look more elegant, but would interfere with the fit on the trailer.
Roland relates
“We sail this Year 4 months in Croatien and we are very happy to sail this Trimaran. He make on 8-10Kn Wind 7-8 Kn Speed 10 – 14 Kn Wind 10- 11 Kn Speed .We have for 4 Months clothes and
another things on Board, 120 L Benzin , 120 L Water and ,and … He sails fantastic .
Regards
Roland Koenig”
Final IBEX Post-Bright Shiny Things
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.
Forespar at IBEX
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.
