Advice please

domino · 26 August 2005, 17:36

Hello All

I have looked and followed these forums for considerable time i now find myself needing advice on a delicate subject, in short i believe that my hull has been reproduced into a further mould tool and a boat supplied from this, i cannot believe that in this world we live in, it could so blatently be done, what should i do?

Jono · 26 August 2005, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by domino

Hello All

I have looked and followed these forums for considerable time i now find myself needing advice on a delicate subject, in short i believe that my hull has been reproduced into a further mould tool and a boat supplied from this, i cannot believe that in this world we live in, it could so blatently be done, what should i do?

Put more effort and soul into your trawl?

domino · 26 August 2005, 17:47

Thanks for that

The Garfish · 26 August 2005, 19:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by domino

what should i do?

yew shud deeclair jeehad on de devun innfiduls dat didd de derty deeed

gArf

slimtim · 26 August 2005, 20:02

What I understand from your post is that you are a RIB builder and someone has splashed your hull design, is that right?

domino · 26 August 2005, 20:15

Great photos on your website, yes iam a boat builder not only do i build conventional Ribs but build and supply to some large yachts as tenders, my designer is a well known cowes sailor which interested me from your pictures.
The moulding was supplied and splashed, great shame as i did not think that people were still splashing for gain.

slimtim · 27 August 2005, 00:19

thanks for the kind words re pics! The ones on the site are not mine, but my mate Mike's. i will hopefully be getting some up there soon.

I don't really know anything about the law stuff involved with this, there are others on here who would give a much better answer. The first step I guess would be to get some legal advice and send them a letter or something.

What is your company and who is the designer? Or would you rather not say?

Tim

paul tilley · 27 August 2005, 12:48

domino are you not concerned that the same could happen to the copy of your boat as has happened to the rib in st ives and could cause bad publicty for you also !!!!

Pete7 · 27 August 2005, 13:00

Domino hi, so which ribs do you build ?

Pete

domino · 27 August 2005, 13:30

Naturaly iam very concerned with peoples saftey, some years ago when we decided to begin to build hand built (british excellence) i believe that i went through the correct proceadure, firstly i have a complete boat designed by a well known designer, then i built a prototype and went through the very extenisve and very costly CE mark process, the copy that has been produced is not CE marked for the size engines they have installed, yes a tragic problem, and just waiting to happen!!!

hard1 · 27 August 2005, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by domino

Naturaly iam very concerned with peoples saftey, some years ago when we decided to begin to build hand built (british excellence) i believe that i went through the correct proceadure, firstly i have a complete boat designed by a well known designer, then i built a prototype and went through the very extenisve and very costly CE mark process, the copy that has been produced is not CE marked for the size engines they have installed, yes a tragic problem, and just waiting to happen!!!

I wouldn't worry about it at all unless they are attempting a clone of your boats complete design (Passing Off). They only have to change one small dimension anyway and it becomes original to them. On the basis that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I would watch their progress with interest. I once learned that if you have the skill to copy, then you should have the skill to innovate. Taking splash molds of cars and boats goes on far more than you think. I can personally identify at least 1/2 dozen Revenger copies in and around the Solent, but the finish is mostly terrible and no-one would even think about comparing them with an original even if they identified the bloodline.

I can also think of at least 1 Scorpion hull that was privately finished and was done so well that he was allowed to put Scorpion badges and ID's on it, but is it a Scorpion?

Like i say, I wouldN'T lose much sleep over it at this stage but keep an eye on their next moves. If you identify an attempt to steal your intellectual copywright then identify them to us here on Ribnet. The word will out swiftly and terribly!

Richard B · 28 August 2005, 00:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by hard1

I can also think of at least 1 Scorpion hull that was privately finished and was done so well that he was allowed to put Scorpion badges and ID's on it, but is it a Scorpion?

In that example, given that the hull was legitimately moulded in Graham's workshop, and the guy who built and fitted it used to work for Graham, then I would say yes, 100% Scorpion!

PeterR · 30 August 2005, 17:17

Hi Domino,Its a disgraceful state of affairs. At one time it would have been called theft and the perpertrator branded a theif.I dont suppose nowadays its called that probable has some fancy name.After the mould was taken was a rib made and then sold.

PeterR · 30 August 2005, 18:31

If it was someone in the trade who splashed it did they fit the engines,if so isnt there some legal responsability or duty of care for safety

domino · 30 August 2005, 19:29

Hi there,
The company that spashed are just cheap crooks, i have invested so much from plug to production, the amount in excess of 250k, i photographed the boat on the water today sighted in Dartmouth, even the HIN number is fraudlent!!!

Erin · 30 August 2005, 19:51

Surely a phone call to your local trading standards office would suffice.

domino · 30 August 2005, 20:00

I have contacted the harbour master and informed trading standards, they are very likley to confiscate the boat, given last weeks boat breakup in st ives which i believe was also a copy.
I have now been informed by the company who fitted the twin engines that he was asked to sign a disclaimer, pictures in a while

PeterR · 30 August 2005, 20:17

If the person who splash ypur hull was known to anybody would you think it would be inapropiate that he should be named and shamed

domino · 30 August 2005, 20:32

If your boat has been anywhere near these guys workshops you should be weary, its not the first time this has happended iam told, the last time they got away with it, so they say on the previous splash they in there skills only changed the plug only to enhance the performance, why? did i use a well known british designer to design a fast hull when there are others that know so much!!!! this time they have gone too far

PeterR · 30 August 2005, 20:50

I see the name Olmec .Would this be Olmec Tubing