I'm reading Sherman Hoyt's "memoirs". And there is a descriptive chapter on the process for ordering boats from the Herreshoff’s. While I’ve always read that Nat could be “difficult” to deal with in the design (IE – his way or no way), I had never read how John actually interacted in pricing with Nat and the Client. Especially interesting was how John would price – and keep changing the price (Contract or not) – as Nat would keep changing the design when he would think of something new and better….and the somewhat disgruntled client it caused <grin>. At some point a client may not want to pay extra for the “new” designs so HMCo would build to the earlier design – then the “newer” design would be sold a the higher price to a new buyer willing to pay. The “wait” and price seemed worth it in the end – as the newer boat was faster!
Another good read on Nat’s design monopoly is Clinton Crane’s “Yachting Memories”. He describes the process of re-doing Herreshoff boats to client wishes after Nat would refuse to do so. Crane comes across very respectful of Nat (Who he clearly admired), but certainly disagreed with his style working with clients and his being overly secretive.
I find it fascinating to read how Nat’s contemporaries viewed – and dealt - with him.
