David I used to drive a H20 about 4 years ago, and I also wrote Matt asking him if Hobie would consider changing the sail plan to be more competitive with the N60 (the hot boat at the time). He gave me gave me exactly same answer he has given here. At the time I was a little put out by his response. Now in hindsight (many years later) I can appreciate Matt's position and his support of the class. I'll be the first one to admit I have an issue or two with Hobie and Mr. Miller, but I really do respect their position when it comes to preserving a one design class (still love on the Hobie edict though Matt).

As you have also pointed out the H20 is one of the last 20’, sloop, non spin, and two up boats left. I’d be willing to bet a large portion of the folks sailing the H20 are rather one design centric and aren’t looking for the kind of changes to the boat you are proposing (otherwise they would have left by now). You have yourself a very nice niche, try to exploit it! Not every team wants to run a spin around the cans and as several people including you have stated you can always put a spin on the boat and have a competitive distance racer.

Just because the H20 isn’t the bell of the ball anymore doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a lot of fans out there. The TheMightyHobie18 Magnum has made a respectable comeback in FL, and for a while the H14 was pretty hot. If for some reason Matt has a complete break down and allows the H20 to be modified as you propose, I’d bet a case of Mt. Gay the H20 will join the ranks of the P19MX and NE60/N60 inside a year.

One more thing, if Matt had allowed the sail plan changes I wanted way back when I would have left anyway. I had/have a serious hard on for the N20.

Dave