On Wed, 12 Jan 2005 20:38:25 GMT, "Gordon Wedman"
wrote:

I'm sure this varies quite a bit. I think some designers like Perry and
Crealock checked to see how their designs were being executed. As well, I
think a boat that comes from the yard that designed it, for example
Catalina, Hunter, C&C, may be put together better than a boat from a yard
that has just bought someone's design.
In your case I think self-tapping screws would not be too unusual
considering the boat is 1974. I'm sure S&S didn't specify how the power
panel should be attached.

In-house designers, like Cuthbertson, Ball and Ellis at C&C, probably
made a big difference. Freelancers or designers on commission like
Perry, Dix and Brewer are at the mercy of their licensors. Usually,
they pick well, but what happens on the shop floor is out of their
hands.

Gate valves and single hose clamps were standard in '74 as well, and
fender washers and acorn nuts instead of backing plates, household
grade Romex for the AC runs, 22 gauge to the masthead...I could go on,
but let's just say my '73 C&C design is "better than factory" given my
safety and peace of mind improvements, just as retrofitting seatbelts,
stronger headlights, better brakes and electronic ignition in a 1960
sedan makes it safer and more efficient today, even though it "drives
the same".

Actually, given the composite sails I have, the bottom treatment, the
repositioned tankage and batteries and the improved running rigging,
it's possible my old boat SAILS better than factory, too. Stock then
was fine...then.

R.