<snip> "American builders take that a step further than many European, and certainly Dutch builders. A cultural difference, surely." <unsnip>
I don't know about that Freek, the lugwork on my de Reus is pretty well done. Of course I haven't seen it sans paint but the shorelines look good (see Brian I was listening), no obvious gaps. And the RIH? well its pretty well made too, I'd say. On par with the esteemed Mr. Baylis? nope, but I'd put them both up to anything else that was available from non boutique builders of that time.
Marty Eison
Dallas (no rain) Texas.