: Paul, I don't disagree with some of what you've written, but there are a few
: points that I'd quibble with, but not here. In my former career, I was
: responsible for the sales of 1000s of kayaks a year over 22 stores, and
: I'm still friends with many people in the industry, plus I keep up-to-date
: on the commercial paddlesport's industry. And the market is getting
: tougher. The big box (end Christmas will end big box stores) stores are
: pushing out the specialty retailer, etc... One in the area went under in
: the fall and another, the owner I'm friends with, is on the edge... blah
: blah blah...

: All that doesn't mater, because the wooden kayak market ISN'T the same
: market. See my original statement: Wood kayaks aren't just a boat, they're
: a lifestyle and that's what a builder is selling. It's just silly
: comparing a high quality kayak, like those that Dan builds and sells to
: plastic. Not only are his Black Pearls a work of art, but they command a
: nice price, and he has buyers willing to pay those prices. If they just
: wanted a kayak, they'd go out and buy something at the boxes, but they
: want the lifestyle behind a wooden Black Pearl. Because it's cool and sexy
: to own one. Look at all the cool things wooden boat builders and owners
: do. One of which is Meet at the Beach -- that's what you use in the
: marketing. And that's how you market it.

: In addition, a successful business doesn't need to pump out 100s of boats a
: year to make money on wooden kayaks.

: I could easily sell 8 to 10 $2000 to $2500 wood canoes a year in Grand Marais
: without doing anything but setting them outside with a for sale sign on
: them. The value of wooden canoes is a know and people drool over them. In
: fact, I know someone in WI that does just that.

: Sell the wooden boat lifestyle, and you'll sell wooden kayaks.

Hi Bryan,

Problem is there is already a bunch of people building and selling wood kayaks and already have established businesses. It's not like it's a new market by any stretch. From what I've seen the market is moving towards cheaper boats. Even fiberglass kayaks arn't selling as well as they were even 3 years ago. Might also have something to do with the economy, when times are tough, cheap sells. The largest retailer in the midwest is now stocking and selling mostly poly boats, just two years ago his market was nearly 50/50 poly/glass.

Bill H.