[cardiacpaul]

DD,

I'm duly impressed with the reviews and prose.

I was involved in high tech for 25 years, do you know how you get a good review from th Gartner Group? You pay them. I know, I wrote the check(s).
Byte, PCWorld and Network News never met a product from an advertiser they didn't love.

While Practical Sailor did a decent review, it certainly wasn't stellar.
Please keep us updated as to how you feel in a year or two, ok?

I'm glad you toured the factory. I have as well, as well as Catalina's and a little guy down here in Texas that build some rather decent tubs... Valiant.
My brother was a carpenter with Hatteras for many years. My point here is that factory tours are set-ups and you don't get all that good of an idea as to what really happens... My brother can tell you horror stories that'd curl your hair.
I've seen some of the items that were cut out of hulls in process due to the need of a "do-over". You don't get to see that.

Look, love your boat, its your boat. You bought it for your own reasons, I don't need to be justified in your decision.
Good luck, and fair winds.