Since then... have you heard of the Hobie TriFoiler, Hobie Wave, Hobie Getaway, Hobie Bravo, Hobie 21 Sport Cruiser, Hobie Mirage kayaks? The Hobie 20?
No offense, but...
Innovative designs to be sure, but the only one that was inspiring to me in that list was the 20. Although the Wave has made its place in a way. I suppose when I see a Wave or Getaway in the heavy surf ala Sharing the Wind I'll change my mind...
Mentioning the Euro Hobies only drives the point home for me. I remember seeing the Euro boats on the web (varients on the 21, Pacifica, Dragoon, etc.) and thinking "why can't we get or build those boats here?" It seemed that it took awhile for the US market for the Tiger to even be recognized. Now it's catch-up time. It's great that the Euro boats are there to import now. But the blame is placed on the open class.
Sorry if it all sounds negative, I'm just raw-dumping my feelings I guess. I'd like to see Hobie succeed, and in way that grows all of cat sailing. Just like I like to drive but would be upset if all I could buy was a Chevy.
Of course, my faith would be restored if Hobie-USA came out with an affordable and competitive A-Cat, non roto-molded...
