I was too lazy to read all four pages of Corrans threat, but here is what i tihnk after reading 1+2 last pages...
I quit the market size discussion and try to answer what i should answer as Drakkar kayaks representative.
Firstly BiLL R. (billcanoes) has done a great job getting Wheelboys out and for demo and I think he has been able to help just about everyone who has asked for demo.
We as drakkar have been pretty poor at marketing and have not been able to supply US enough domos etc in time but we try hard to make it up in following days and weeks. We will have an updated WB in 4 weeks with more outfitting options, colours, less weight and etc. etc...
What comes to pricing we can only blame the US goverment and EU on that. We as Drakkar have really friendly prices for our kayaks and canoes. Shiping and taxes are huge as market is small. It would be very helpfull for Bill if he could get some prepaid preorders and that would allow him to control cashflows more efficently. European paddlers can enjoy cheap canoes shipped to their doorstep but there is not many of them as we speak.
Marko
On problem I think has been overlooked too. C-1 boaters have douple the ego of kayakers. They are not an easy target to sell anything
Agreed the week US $ to the Euro -stinks and gets me/everyone twice, because it makes both the boats and shipping more expensive.
In general; I'd like to have boats in stock so people can just buy them when they're ready to make a purchase. However, the initial fatboy order I will offer prepayment and offer a discount since prepayment will allow a larger order which will help reduce shipping charges per boat.
Demos-
There have been some customers in the TX, KS, WI, ID and Canada-(Kevin have you tried either the Wheelboy or Sith yet), who I have not been able to meet up with yet.
For the Kayaking market- I'd agree more dealers would be needed, but for the c1 market its unlikely to have a dealer where the demo is needed as no two boats have been sent to the same state yet.
but there is not many of them as we speak.