Do designers and yards make a difference?

[joliette]

I'm having an interesting discussion with someone at present that I thought I'd share with the forum.

His position is that people buy a boat for it's function, so they have little interest in who designed it and built it.

My position is that the reputation of the designer and yard communicate a lot about the quality of the boat and are a key factor in the purchase decision. I probably wouldn't even consider looking at a boat unless it came from a designer and / or yard with a good reputation.

But what do you think and, more importantly, what do you actually do?

 

[henryf]

Buying a boat is a big commitment and ultimately you are putting a hell of a lot of faith in the craft. No length of test trip can prepare you for that moment we've all had where you stop chatting and concentrate in an attempt to conquer the elements.

As boaters we will all be able to quote famous hell designers and marine architects. Manufacturers offer their names as justification for investing in their product and magazines quote them as justification for their findings.

Maybe if you're buying a lake boat in America it doesn't matter, but here in the UK you wouldn't put to sea without the assurance of a name or respected manufacturer behind you.

Henry