By "most folks," I think they are referring to the nonsailing public and to sailors who are not familiar with catamarans. Hobie really has become a generic household word for "beach cat." If I am trying to explain to someone what kind of boats we sail, I don't bother with brands, I just say, "You know, like Hobie Cats," and then they get the picture.

What is more annoying to me is when they pronounce it "hobby" cat. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />