QUOTE: "At that price I'm wondering why those interested wouldn't just buy one of the many import boats (NRS Livery, Rocky mountain 10.5, etc.) and still have 2k left to outfit and knock up their own frame, or even have Catchercraft, Madcatr, Cambridge, or Recretec weld them a custom". End Quote. I do see the point you are trying to make and for some/many? people that is an avenue to explore. On the other hand, I believe most people on this site do not have the time or desire, possibly experise to build a custom raft. If anyone has looked at some of the picture I have posted, on several topics, know that I 'love' custom....anything! The Assault seems to be a very well received raft, for some nothing short of outstanding. To be able to assemble which style best suits you, or possibly build to the future as funds are available, should not be dismissed. At this point in it's very short 'life', price shopping is a waste of time. Everyone knows Dave's show prices are the norm compared to the internet page, so accurately comparing the many options available, to anything else out there, is a waste of time! One very obvious [ to me ] fact is, Dave has really raised the bar on the Assault to a [possibly]very high level and should be acknowledged for his foresight and willingness to invest a substantial amount of capital, not just to make more money, but to look to the future and imagine what could be. No one else is even close to what he see's the future could be and spending his money to make it so! The competiton should be worried, Outcast is trying to catch up 5 years late and still with a heavy raft, and still with bladders. Not to offend the WM Kodiac lovers, but it's a 25 year old design, built way too heavy[thick material] IMHO, and no one there had anything to do with it's design to begin with. To be fair, let the people who own the Assault and Kodiak weigh in. At my' older' age, I out row [speed and distance] 2 to 1, really almost 3 to 1, my buddies Kodiaks to my Renegade, and with half the effort! And from the people I know who have the Assaults, it's equal or better to the Renegade. It is the 21st Century and Dave is hands down the leading edge. Now to lay down the gauntlet: Dave Scadden, prove to your loyal following that you really can/will make it happen! Prove to 'others' that whatever has happened in the past, is really in the past, better yet a distant glim in the rear view mirror. Your vision, design and seemingly endless models[ styles/versions ] are way ahead of anyone else. Every year you raise the bar on raft design, now raise the bar on the rest of it!