Phil,

As a builder who would love to achieve your level of workmanship, I am obviously always looking for a way to be critical of your boats. The best I could come up with is you seem to have left behind the idea of your boats ever being put in the water. If a boat isn't going into the water is it still a boat?

I think I understand your reasons for going the way you are going, and kicking and screaming I am starting to agree with it. But, I would like to get your reaction to the criticism that you are no longer building boats if they don't go in the water.

: Dean, Actually that website hasn't been updated. A friend had sponsored it
: for me before I had some professional photography done. The last canoe
: sold went for $21,000 not including the display stand ($2,500.), Paddles
: ($940.), delivery ($700.) and of course taxes. My 4 year goal is $30,000
: so that I may be able to drive something better than my '93 Ford Festiva
: with 170,000 miles on it. A 20ft., $20,000. canoe sitting on top of of a
: 12 ft., $300. car looks pretty ridiculous. Now throw in 4 kids! Bottom
: line is, yes, the canoes are very expensive but they are so labor
: intensive I'm barely making it.

: Part of the paycheck is taking a finished boat to a show and getting positive
: feedback. My thanks go out to the builders who took the time to stop by
: the MAS booth in Mystic last month and see one of my boats. One of my
: goals is to inspire builders to take their time and build some functional
: art. Not every boat out there needs to be built to this level but those
: who can, should.

: Phil Greene, Wood Song Canoes