Re: [Paddlewise] Nadgee, Max, boat copying

Matt Broze wrote:
> 
> 
> Wrong again, I have no problem with somebody designing a kayak that has
> features similar to those on our kayaks as long as they don't use my work
> without my permission to cut corners and then make a profit from it (that I
> don't share in). I'd be a lot more pissed though if I had to then compete
> directly with my own design. Vastly different kayak designs could have
> exactly the same basic hydrostatics. My objection is to my work (hull,
> offsets, cross sections or plans) being used directly (or scaled--thank you
> John for that one precise word description) without compensation (or even
> any credit) given, as was the case here. 

I will give a summary of my understanding of the law, morality and
Matt's
position.

If I start from his lines drawings or table of offsets then I am copying
and
am in the wrong. I happen to agree with this.

Now, if I start from a clean sheet of paper (or blank CAD screen) and
draw
my own set of lines, fair the lines do the calculations and make
adjustments
until I come up with a workable design, I am OK. Much of what goes into
my
design will come from things that have been done by other designers
especially
when I have paddled their boats and found things that I liked. This is
true of
every designer, nobody starts from zero.

Now if I wanted to make a boat that was very close to the Max, I would
probably
first try to work out a licensing arrangement with Matt first as it
would be faster,
probably produce better results, and would likely be cheaper than my
spending lots
of time doing my own.

Many times it is better to spend a little money on a good designer. Not
only do
you get the benefit of their training and experience but also the value
of
their reputation when it comes time to sell the boat.

michael (still more of a sailor than kayaker)
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