To a large extent, all kayaks are derivative of previous designs. And it would appear that Joe built a GB a few years ago. But in looking at the lines of the GB on your website, and comparing them to the entire Redfish line, especially the Silver under construction in my carport, I see distinct differences.

The entire Redfish line is narrower, from the 23-7/8" Spring Run to the 22" Silver. The Redfishes have a much finer entry fore and aft, and more rake as well. The GB has a lot of rocker at both ends, while the Redfish designs have little. The Return has almost none, SR and Silver have modest rocker forward. None of the Redfish designs carry the keel as far back as the GB.

Comments from builders are very different too. From the KBSC site you mentioned, Brian Thurgood said "when compared to other styles of boats this boat could be designed to give a drier ride. The bow could have a slightly higher sweep to cut through larger waves. Not the fastest boat around, but given the other attributes, who really needs to go fast anyway." Redfishes all have dry rides, perhaps due to the above-mentioned increased rake. Thurgood also says "this boat has lots of room and very good stability. In fact you must work very hard to get it to turn over." For better or worse, Refishes have a little less primary stability, but the tradeoff is a cleaner, more efficient, and faster hull.

In short, beyond the fact that they are about the same length and have pointy ends, there is very little similarity. A peek at your respective websites bears that out, and any experienced kayaker could tell the difference blindfolded. I think you owe Joe an apology. He is a quality guy, who designs quality boats, as do you, and we expect better of you.

BTW, I have heard it said that the GB is a packhorse for beginners, while the Redfishes are thoroughbreds for those who know what they are doing.

: Joe Greenly seemed to like it well enough to base his whole line of boats on
: it.

: See Joe's review of the Georgian Bay at http://home.earthlink.net/~kbsc/

: Rob