[Rhodes22-list] Chinese Boom Rooms?

[Bill Effros]

Brad Haslett emailed me off-list regarding our discussion of boom rooms, 
etc. which he has been following while vacationing in China.

Brad asked if anyone would have an interest in his exploring Chinese 
manufacture of Boom Rooms, Sails, Pop-Top Enclosures, Cockpit and Cabin 
Cushions, Cockpit Fill in Boards, -- all the little stuff the Chinese 
can make for a fraction of what it costs to manufacture in the US.

I have not asked Stan about this, and I don't think Brad has either, 
however it goes without saying that if Stan doesn't like the idea, Brad 
is not going to do it.  Stan would make money on every item made in 
China, and whatever he says is his cut, that's what he'll get.  There 
will be no negotiation on this.

But before he even begins the project, Brad wants to know how the 
ultimate consumers feel about this idea.  If Brad can set up 
manufacturing in China with Stan's approval, would Rhodes owners buy the 
Chinese made products?

Stan would have to provide the original patterns and specifications, but 
that is all Stan would have to do.  Brad believes he can set up a 
reliable manufacturing operation in China that will produce any of these 
products to Stan's satisfaction at a lower cost than Stan can get them 
produced in the US.

5 of us indicated an interest in Boom Rooms.  Me, Chris, Dave, Bruce, 
and maybe Bob.  (Did I miss anyone?)  I would be willing to be the 
guinea pig on this. How do the rest of you feel?  Bob, if we could bring 
the price down, at what price would you be a player?

What about people who want Pop Top Enclosures, or Battened IMF sails, or 
cockpit fill in cushions?  Is there a price for these items that would 
prompt you to take money out of your pocket and put it on the table?

Look at Stan's options prices on his web site 
(http://www.rhodes22.com/super_options.html).  Is there something you 
would actually buy if the price were lower?  If so, what would the price 
have to be?

Brad is returning to the US shortly, and doesn't have much time to see 
if he can set up something like this.  If you think this is a terrible 
idea, please speak up quickly so we all know where we stand.

I think this is an interesting idea if Brad can actually do it.  It is 
something we can all do to put more money in Stan's pocket right away, 
while buying parts for our boats at a lower cost.  It's a win-win...if 
Brad can pull it off.

Please note.  Brad is a commercial airline pilot who no longer owns a 
Rhodes 22.  There is nothing in this deal for him.  He will always make 
more money flying an airplane than getting involved in a crazy sailboat 
spare parts Chinese manufacturing scheme.  He just happens to be in 
China right now, saw Stan's Lament, and asked if there was anything he 
could do to help.

Bill Effros