I'd say it's a bit of lost opportunity on Hobie's part. These boats represent opportunity for sales more in a non-racing market these days. Hobie seems to be pushing the roto-molded boats for that. But there's still people out there that might think the roto molded boats are toys. Their choice is toy or racing machine, and they might choose neither.

The 18 is a great non-racing day sailor platform (Hell, it's still a good racer, but the new boats are a new game). From a manufacturing standpoint, cut costs by getting rid of the custom castings and use parts from other boats in continued production to cut cost. Daggerboards from other boats (using an insert in the trunk or something), or maybe use the centerboard system from the 17 for less hassle day sailing. It's got roller furling, add a reefing system for the main. Make it a smaller more affordable 21sc. Get people day sailing with their kids instead of racing.

Just an idea.