Keith, yep, the factory can only recommend weight limits. It's up to the builder to actually set the max gross weight for that particular plane. However, once set at certification, it becomes a legal limitation just like a factory built airplane.

Bill Harrelson
N5ZQ 320 1,650 hrs
N6ZQ  IV under construction



 <snip>  I thought that the max gross was recommended by the factory, but didn't consider the fact that builders actually publish a number for their airplane that is binding for operations.  That's great information, particularly for insurance considerations.

 Thanks again for the advice, I intend to heed it. This is a high quality list.

 Keith