We did not compromise or change our lamination schedule or change fiberglass or resin manufactures during those years.
Our vendors that we used for bilge/aeration pumps, upholstery materials, carpet, gauges, stainless steel pipe work or fittings, pedestal bases and poles etc. all stayed the same.
We build all seating and upholstery, deck lids and boxes, stringer and transom components, wiring harnesses, decks, hulls, consoles, live wells and bait wells in house…so none of that changed as well.
It may have been a longer wait in production and delivery as we weren't able to build as many boats per day as normal but the quality of construction and components did not change whatsoever.
Quite to the contrary, by slowing everything down, the boat builders/employees were not stressed as much to meet normal production goals so that QC improved and helped teach us some good procedures and practices that we still use in normal ramped up production today.
The smaller, regional/local boat builders were who suffered the most. Most had to shop around and use different vendors and suppliers and take what was available.
It was easier for us to buy a tank car full of resin than it was for them to get 55 gal drums of it.
The vendors/suppliers were taking care of their larger clients before shipping anything to the little guys….they were forced to take what they could get.
TAMU Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
Boat racing is like a beautiful woman.......expensive, high maintenance, but well worth the fun!
