[quote The shroud anchor pin is the same for all models. We changed to a rolled thread several years ago to reduce the possibility of a thread cutting process creating a problem. The breaking strength is greatly improved. [/quote]

Matt,
Having sailed a Hobie 18 since 1980, including but not limited to a 1980, 1982, 1986, 1988, and my current boat, a 2004, picked up from the Dealer in October of 2003, the same week the announcement was made that the boat was being discontinued, I have a fair perspective on the 18, and its pattern failures.
That having been said, this year, for the first time I experienced a catastrophic failure of the shroud anchor pin on my 2004. Sadly it was on the starting line at the NAC event in New York. Thanks to outstanding help from the support safety boat, the beach captain, and the generosity of Matt Bounds who allowed me to rob one off of his H-16 that was sitting on the beach, we were able to reassemble my boat and make it out for the next race.
Given the fact that I was racing within 5# of minimum weight, the wind and wave conditions that day were not by any stretch of the imagination "extreme" also the boat has only been sailed in salt water one time, and is stored inside a heated garage, that you may have a little more work to do on that particular piece of hardware.

Respectfully,
Stephen