"Hobie...Anyone know the origin of this name? Its synonomous with cats"

You're kidding, I presume? Hobart (Hobie) Alter, inventor of the Hobie 14, 16, etc.

Other than the fact that it conjures up images of a slow, furry animal with big teeth, "Beaver" is genious for marketing to young, bar-hopping, hormone-driven guys.

Mike

Mike