Rag,

Not a bad question, I'll do my best to answer it.

First of all, the Kamloops was an entirely different frame design than what anybody else was using.

Second, Ken was the one who put the time, labor, sweat, energy, thought into the frame design, not Skookum. Just like any quality product, Ken took pride in building his frames and the craftsmanship. Why wouldn't he use something that he put so much effort into perfecting? Would you?

Third, efficiency-when you get that good at something like Ken is at frame building, it takes time, labor, sweat, energy, and thought to produce something different. That increases costs. Why do you think we can sell a better boat (better in that our fab guy is more experienced at building the frame and we have better anchor system components otherwise the stock boats are very similar) for less money than Skookum? Efficiency and experience. They have to find somebody new build the frames and are not going to be as proficient right away.

Fourth, It is a good, proven design that has remained relatively unchanged for years. Pretty hard to improve on something that has stood the test of time. Besides, there are only so many ways to bend metal. A design needs to be strong enough to provide a lifetime warranty (which we do) yet not bulky as to add unneeded weight.

Five, We actually do have some big differences compared to others that we have recently added to our options. Even though you disregarded the deluxe anchor system, it really does VASTLY improve anchoring and GREATLY reduces swaying. I was being totally serious about taking it out for a spin to see for yourself. You'll be a believer too. Ken tried to get Skookum to use it but Mr. Day refused because it added shipping costs so Ken quietly offered it to his other clients who thought might appreciate it. Besides, it provides a great place to put a cooler for fish or beverages. We also offer other frame options such as raised seats and wider frames and riveted rod holders that the old Skookum was hesitant in trying.

Go back and look at some of the older threads on sinking drift boats. One reason was the anchor rope coming un-done from the clam cleat. Working with Leelock, they built us a unit specially designed for smaller pontoon boats that replaces the clam cleat, which GREATLY improves safety while drifting through rapids.

Are you satisfied or do you want more?