i suspect there are not enough opportunities for their reviewers to obtain representative samples of these designs. a large manufacturer, or a small onw which was close by, could afford to ship them a few new models each year for themn to try. That is hardly likely with a small shop that turns out a few boats every year. It would probably be out of the question to get a boat from a designer who may just have the test hull, or first prototype.

Maybe someone should invite their reviewers to one of the woodenboat gatherings. Nick's Meet at the beach, and R2K# (where # currently = 3)come to mind as locations for some photo ops and paddling opportunities for their reviewers.

Or, maybe someone will suggest they add a full-time kayak builder to their staff. This person could buy plans annonymously, build the boat according to the plans, and comment on how easy or difficult the plans were to follow. (sounds like a great job -- Since I'm the first to propose it can I suggest myself a candidate for the job? )

When finished, the finished boats could be paddled and evaluated extensively. Of course this would mean that the amgazine would have an accumulation of wooden boats. These could be sold, donated to a charity, or a paddling school, or given away as prizes to some lucky subscribers. Hey, it's not $1,000,000 like Publisher's Clearinghouse gives away, but it's the same idea.

PGJ