This is what makes it worthwhile...

Dan,

I am totally thrilled with the models.

Earlier today I posted an "open" letter to you as a thank you on SA; (see below) your work is outstanding and I hope you don't mind the admiration on a public forum.  It was a true pleasure to work with you.  I had a lot of fun thinking about the models, watching the progress, and ultimately opening the box and seeing them for the first time.  You did a fantastic job.

As I mentioned in my post on SA, my wife wants a third model of our little powerboat; a 1964 Bertram 20.  This is totally unlike her; she thinks we have too much boat stuff in our house (so much so that I bought her a painting of a beach for Christmas; hey it still has water in it!  but no boats)

So, if you're up for it, when your schedule allows please slot me in for model number 3.  Same scale, same backboard, new color. ...Again, many many thanks for your work on the Quest and SC.

Best regards,

T***f

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Susan and I just cannot walk through that door (which we use dozens a times a day) without stopping and admiring the white twin.

When we sit in our family area we look through the passageway and see the twin which really stands out.

Your hull is now a daily part of our lives Gate!

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It is f----ng beautiful.  PSR.

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Gate:

A box that was labeled as containing vacuum cleaner parts, bearing Canadian postal markings, and marked "Fragile" confounded my family when it arrived yesterday morning. Having had a sneak peak of said box, and having known of its contents, I was very much looking forward to opening it. However, I managed restraint and the box was opened with due pomp and circumstance over cocktails.

Amidst cries of "what is it?" and "is it for us?" from my kids, I carefully unpacked the box (the packaging material precisely arranged, almost a work of art itself).

And finally, the unveiling... of two gorgeous half hull models, one of our last boat, a Quest 32, and one of the current boat, a Santa Cruz 37. Scaled identically on matching backboards with the colors faithfully replicated. Absolutely beautifully done. Seeing pictures of the hulls in progress did not do them justice; in person they are even better. The craftsmanship is first class and the models are stunning.

So much so, that my wife said that they were not going to be hung in my office, but instead needed to be put somewhere more prominent. High praise, indeed. But then she asked, "where's the third one?", referring to our Bertram runabout. Therefore, Gate, consider this a third order.

I am thrilled with the models and am proud to show them off. With sincere thanks and appreciaton,

PS Thanks, also, to Bob Perry, who provided some behind-the-scenes guidance to Gatekeeper, and to Rodger Martin and Tim Kernan, who both generously provided the lines.

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Ours was a total surprise, a gift from a beloved crew member and Cruising Anarchist. I had actually contacted Gate about doing one for me, but got sidetracked by business and never got him photos. It lives in perhaps the most visible spot of the most trafficked room in the house - the kitchen.

Yeah, we love it. Thanks Gate! 

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...I got carried away and meant to congratulate Gates for his efforts and loyal customer base. It has been very rewarding for me as well to be able to contribute to his efforts at providing these icons that represent the love and affection that people have for their boats. Keep up the good work Gates, your devotion to your craft is evident...

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I treasure my Gate model of K**'s boat. I can see it from where I sit all day.