Pardon my barging into your F16 forum, but I would like to add my opinion under this topic....


I for one would be considering the iCat if it were to be F16 compliant. The price isn't really that unreasonable if it is built to the same style and standard as the FX One was.

The FX was one of the best sailing and well made boats I have owned. The construction and detailed finnish is spot on. As with most Hobie products, I have been extreemly pleased with them.

The issue for me is I will NOT buy another boat that falls into a class that is lightly populated and not likely to grow to a sizeable fleet in the US. (ie the FX One) With the release of the iCat this seems to be a similar fate.

Even though the F16 is not very common in my area it does have a growth potential that is on the horizon.

I am sitting here with the money to purchase another single hand boat, waiting on Hobie to come to a decision and decide if the i Cat will become a F16 or not. If it is just a big secret, well maybe it is time to start leaking some details.

By next summer I will pop for a new Falcon or A-Cat if Hobie can't make the boat I want.

I have puchased two Tigers, an Fx One, some old Hobies and five of the plastic kayaks. So I am by no means an anti Hobie person. Well hell I am the Fleet 95 Commodore in Seattle.

But by not producing a boat that is claerly what I want and need. Well that will lead me down another path.

Mike Hensel
Fleet 95 Commodore
US Sailing Multi Hull Rep Area L