Question & Poll

[Kayak Jack]

... If a situation got extreme as you described, well there are steps that can be taken that are cost effective and get results. I play those cards close to the vest, though.

Matt's plans self-destruct in the next 5 seconds. If you, or any of your boat-building crew, are caught, Matt and the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your existence.

[dangermouse01]

Matt's plans self-destruct in the next 5 seconds. If you, or any of your boat-building crew, are caught, Matt and the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your existence.

Matt could start printing the instructions and plans on the same thermal paper that a lot of cash registers are printing out on now days. After about a year every thing that was printed on it just kinda disappears or the whole thing turns a brown color. Disappears even faster if exposed to a slightly higher than normal temp (like if you leave them on the dash board of your vehicle in the sun for a day or two).

DM

[Oldsparkey]

Matt's plans self-destruct in the next 5 seconds. If you, or any of your boat-building crew, are caught, Matt and the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your existence.

Disappears even faster if exposed to a slightly higher than normal temp (like if you leave them on the dash board of your vehicle in the sun for a day or two).

DM

Sounds like my checking account when the wife has the checkbook , out shopping.

Chuck.

[Kayak Jack]

Matt's plans self-destruct in the next 5 seconds. If you, or any of your boat-building crew, are caught, Matt and the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your existence.

Disappears even faster if exposed to a slightly higher than normal temp (like if you leave them on the dash board of your vehicle in the sun for a day or two).

DM

Sounds like my checking account when the wife has the checkbook , out shopping.

Or when Chuck wants stuff to go camping??

[tx river rat]

Well might as well put my 2 cents in
First mat has excellent plans and good service
That's what sells plans
The company called Microsoft has been trying to work this problem out in court for several year you buy operating system put it on puter puter crashes I am putting it back on after I get puter fixed are replaced same with soft ware.
I really don't understand what is question here
A kayak isn't new
peaked deck , lot of kayaks have them
flat bottom sure nothing new there
fiberglass and wood not new
and I doubt anyone builds exactly to plans
the whole concept of wooden boats been around for years
Most folks are not going to build the same boat again they are going to try a new design
If I am happy with a set of plans and see designer with another set I like I know his track record that's where I am buying
Designers even make the statement this is a take off of a certain design with my improvements
Guess I am confused about what is sopose to be protected here.
Ron

[jem]

You're right, it's tough to copyright or patten a shape that's been around for 1000s of years.

The plans are more than just a shape.

They are a means to get a desired shape with basic skills and tools while optimizing materials and minimizing cost. The shape is only a part of the building plans. If it were so easy tutorials, tech support forums, and assembly instructions would not be necessary.

If someone doesn't think that has a recurring value, that's fine. I respect everyone's opinion, but let me reiterate again: One boat per set of my plans unless I say different. Otherwise please don't purchase from me.

I believe this thread is reaching the end of it's useful life on this forum. Might be a good discussion to pick up in the www.southernpaddler.com forum.