I have read through the archives of Nick's bulletin board and I have looked over your web site. (Contrary to your needlessly rude, and personal attack, I can read.) I saw references to knowledge you claim to possess about the quality of kit boats, but no data to back it up. Maybe I missed something. To compensate for your earlier rudeness perhaps you would like to re-post the data now.

As far as your challenge is concerned, it is completely without scientific merit. The variables associated with the type of side by side test you propose are too great. For example who was unlucky enough to hit a rock? What are the differences in paddler skills? What are the differences in paddler size and weight? Are the two boats being tested indicative of the quality from each builder? A side by side challenge would only be valid with several boats tested over several seasons with several paddlers. Even then the results could be open to interpretation.

A real test would involve quantitative tests in a lab. The tests used in motorcycle helmet certification might be good examples of that type of testing. Before you do any such testing, you and your opponent would have to come to an understanding. What kind of tests would be made? What would be the relevance of the results.

Your posts indicate you may be doing some kind of quantitative testing. If that is the case great, post your methods and results. This will give other builders a measure by which to evaluate their work. More importantly it would give other builders a bases for understanding your claims.

Please do not get me wrong. Your postings do indicate that you know a great deal about boat building. I am not questioning that, or your ability to build a good boat. I would just like to see better substantiation on the claims you make against other builders.

Don