A few other actions that set CLC aside from other vendors I have worked with:

1. Last weekend they gave me a free beer.
2. The head guy gave me a free private cruise on the Chesapeake.
3. They had three different types of beer - all of it free.
4. Dave did a great demo on tip & roll for applying varnish, but was nice enough to keep his clothes on (I understand that as a purist his reccomendation is to shed all of that linty clothes for high end projects).
5. The beer was cold and free - my favorite kind.
6. Last weekend I saw my first $20k kayak. Although it certainly was worth it you could buy 20+ CLC boats with that money.
7. They were willing to go the extra mile and drink beer with you, rather than just serve you and stare at you like a hungry basset hound.
8. They did not complain that my money was wet and slightly salty.
9. They provided significantly more sand and better weather than previous Okoumefests (so I hear)
10. Their outdoor showrom on Fri was catered with great food and...

Gotta tell ya Wordsmith, I've been talking to CLC staff for a couple of years now and I wish all customer service and tech support folks did as good a job as these folks do.  And I can be a real pain in the arse with my questions.  When the owner of the company gets involved in a simple matter, as John Harris is likely to do, you have a good company there.  CLC service, expartise, responses and willingness to go the extra mile for the customre is second to none.  I've been around the block a few times and I recognize a well run ship when I see one.  Best,  Bob H

Haley -hmmm - didn't know about free beer.   I now await the tanker from the brewery at my front door.

Bob H - talking to the converted now!   I spent a lifetime in retail and have customer service in my DNA!   Almost all businesses talk about it, very few seriously practice it, even fewer excel at it.   I tried to, hence my paranoia... but all's well that ends well.   I shall continue to spend my (Aussie) dollars with CLC...

Thanks for comments, guys.

Wordsmith