This is in response to Mr. Lennard's questions regarding which Tiger did Matt get. Here are some points to consider regarding the Tiger one design definition.
Hull seams...who cares? It's personal preference whether YOU remove them or not. The factory is removing them now. One less thing to do.
Trampoline design...who cares? It does not aid or hinder performance. The loose tramp on top design is easier to manufacture. The tramp in hull is more asthetic.
Spreaders...who cares? The newer design makes it easier to adjust the rake. It does not aid or hinder performance.
Snuffers? You can have any type (homemade or factory) snuffer system as long as there is NO carbon in it. Again it is personal preference.
Foils...again it's personal preference. The design has not changed...only the materials. Besides the carbon ones are Gucci.
Self Tacker/Jib...who cares? That is a convienence item for the crew. It does not aid or hinder performance.
Spinnaker rings/grommets...personal preference detail again. It depends on YOUR choice of snuffer system.
Spinnaker luff line...that is again a personal preference detail.
Booms and Beams...who cares? It does not aid or hinder performance.
What matters? It's about SAME hull design (a Tiger hull is NOT the same design as a NACRA hull), SAME sail plan (there are design/construction differences between Hobie and NACRA...but the overall square footage is the same), SAME design foils (Hobie's are different than NACRA's) and SAME minimum boat weight (396 lbs). Those parameters keep the one design playing field level. In this context the Tiger (or NACRA) is one design. A lot of these extras, add-ons and changes are things that owners can do to trick-out their boat. It's all about personal preference. Tigers and NACRA's are different, but they both conform to the F18 box rule. That is the beauty of it all. Whether you sail one design or F18, it's boat for boat, head to head competition with NO corrected time. My Tiger is a few years old but it is just as competitive as the newer ones. May the BEST crew win!
John Bauldry
Hobie Tiger 1317
Commodore, Hobie Fleet 276
Detroit, MI
