Morris is now under contract to build 6 of the Navy's new Leadership 44's to replace the old Luders sailtraining vessels. They're designed with bombproof in mind as the cadets don't have a sailing clue to start and these boats get abused. In the design process it was decided that reverse was more important than forward .

Plus like many new designs, a new emphasis on better sailing performance.

They're using a resin infusion process with some photos in the article, interesting process.

Morris also has 6 boats building right now with a 6 month backlog. I know our boatyard in town is right out straight with more people working there than I've ever seen.

Morris's reaction to the recession like most other boat builders was to lay off much of their work force. They've hired the bulk of them back plus some new people of course. A recession changes the playing field forcing new ideas and adaptations. Meaner and leaner, some new trends in boats may evolve.

Plus, it'll be a smaller world I expect, with some builders and related marine biz, now going out of business(they just may not know it yet).

The next few years will be interesting in the marine industry.