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Thanks, Alex!
Posted by Michael Strahan on Jan 29 2005
I just returned from the Reno show and though I tried to check in from there, my hotel is still using clay tablets and chisels (no internet). Anyway, I wanted to offer a word of thanks to Alex and the others that seem to understand that a volunteer effort sometimes takes longer than one where you're on the clock. I promised the results by spring and I'll do my best to see that through.
Jim, I'll be in contact with you for a couple of things. I need detailed tube measurements of both of your boats that were tested (including the floor), and we'll need physical possession of both boats for the "does it fit" test. Perhaps we can do both at the same time. It should take an hour or two and we may be able to do it at Raft & Kayak after hours. I'll be in touch.
My comment about this being about "just a piece of rubber or plastic" was no slight on anyone making a living out of this, but just an attempt to put it in perspective for most of us. I realize that you and others make their livelihood from this, but for most of the rest of us this is just another piece of recreational gear. The thread was starting to get personal, and that's the context of my comment. No harm intended. On a related note, I should clarify everyone's role in this. I really appreciate the involvement of yourself, Larry and Tracey, but I'm sure all of you understand the potential risk to objectivity if any of you get too close to it. As manufacturers and distributors, you stand to benefit from good reviews of your products. I want to be careful to keep that sort of influence in check, while at the same time allowing equal access to the processes involved in testing. The idea is to create as neutral a setting possible, so all the boats can be tested by the same criteria. We all know that this series of tests will not answer ALL questions, and may raise additional questions. But my hope is that we can do this in a manner that's fair and equitable. Having said that, I also realize that there are some who feel that I cannot be fair and equitable on this issue. To that I can only say that I'm trying my best. Anyone else is welcome to perform other tests as they determine and post their results. I should also say that the first round of this was a learning experience for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the boats involved.
I'll post more on this as I have time, but gotta go now.
Regards,
-Mike
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