I no longer own a Hobie, but have had just about every model other than the H16. My dad has owned a Getaway since they came out. I'll tell you what, that boat really is wonderful from a standpoint of usability, friendliness, and fairly performance oriented. If it were a little tougher (we have had hull cracking problems on the x-bar openings) I'd give it a 10.

Hobie is not going to drop the H16 all of the sudden, so that boat is staying until they have a viable phase out program in place. The Hobie 20 was very popular for a while, and the Formula boats have stolen it's thunder now. Hobie was nice enough to bring back the H17 for another year, although I have not seen one newer than 1994.

The problem is not the companies, although HCA's demands are not condusive to catamaran sailing as a whole. The bigger problem is new sailors. Where are they? Hobie and Performace can come out with all the boats they want to. In ten-twenty years, who will buy them?

Both companies really have to think about taking a page from surfing and windsurfing. Companies like Billabong and Quicksilver are always backing movie makers. If you want to be an "Action Sport" you have to show the action to the younger people. Market freedom and excitement. When I was 14, I could not wait to jump on my Hobie 14 because I would be out on my own away from my mom and dad. We found that boat for $750. Cheaper than most good surfboards.

The only thing most people know about Hobie is surfboards and clothes. Performance is even worse... I get looks like I am from outer space.

So moral of the story. Boat design means nothing if you don't have anyone to sell to. In the future, the way things are looking, their will be less sailors. That equates to less money for the boat companies and the end of sailing organizations.