I've got a 16-foot Eastside, and what I've heard about its background coincides with what Beezer says -- that Ron's brother was the brand's builder. Have to differ with his opinion on the boat's heavier handling, though. Rowed a number of Lavros, and have consistently found my Eastside to be every bit as responsive, if not more so. Hardwood gunwales and bench seats do add weight to the Eastsides, but it's not readily apparent, at least not to me, when they're in the water.