Actually, Hunter is building a whole line of monohull daysailors from rotomolded plastics (http://www.huntermarine.com/Models/DaysailersIndex.html).

However, I agree that it appears that Hobie is not focusing so much on the fiberglass racer market but can you blame them? The rotomolded boats they are making are going to resorts and hotels - businesses that are buying 10, 20, or more boats with one check and these places are obviously pretty pleased with the product. Hobie is going where their higher profit is. It's not great for our racing, but we shouldn't be concerned because there are other manufacturers, or new manufacturers, who will continue to support our market as long as we keep buying boats....which brings up a point, if we had continued to purchase 17s and 18s in a large volume, it's a safe bet that Hobie would still be making them. The fact that we're not buying these boats anymore is evidence that the market shifted from strict Hobie one-designs for boats that are focused on recent technology or at the very least, shiny new designs. I think a couple of lost attempts at development and a strong market with the rotomolded boats has them shifting their focus away from the racers (with the exception of the successful Tiger). In my opinion, looking at the Tiger, they need to be cautious - although I think it is still a great performing platform, it sure is surrounded by a lot of new and interesting development and their market will certainly continue soften unless something new happens.

The market is no longer what Hobie was built on - not as many people are buying a Hobie to have a Hobie. We're afflicted by shiny-itus more than ever before and there are a significant number of brands to choose from now.