I am new to Hobies (1.5 years) but that is how they are sold - w/o battens. Is it true the H17 can not use the foam/carbon fiber battens for legal racing?

Since we are venting a bit. What upsets me about Hobie is you have to work through a dealer to order from Hobie. Murrays has it set up right so I think you get better service and price (overall). Last year I ordered CatTrax and some other small items and a dealer wanted to charge me $75 shipping (for 3 week service no less). At the time of the order the clerk said the items would would be combined with the boat order so shipping would be minimal. In the end I paid $25 for shipping.

Sorry to vent,
Joe