As I was going thru my old Hobie parts I found some envelopes from KISME Inc. and I just wondered if they were still sailing??
Back in the day I bought all of my Hobie pieces parts from them and still use their stuff today! One item that has stood the test of time are the tiller connectors on our 16'!

Yes, I had those on my Hobie 16 & now on my 18, bullet proof, just like the boats themselves. Havent seen them around for about 10 years?

KISME sold the name and products and closed some years back.

I remember the owner commenting at a regatta " most of my customers don't have a dealer near by and some have never seen a dealer"

Yea I will say it was sometime back! I bet it's been close to 10yrs. since they closed up, if not more!
In 1983 I bought the 16' with galanized trailer, jackets, harnesses, and some extra goodies for around $2,800 from Harbor North in Huron Ohio.When they got out of Hobies I started going to Tom Tannerts place in Penninsula Oh. to buy all of my boat parts and windsurfing gear. Then after Tom closed shop I ordered all of my boat parts at least from KISME! They were just nice people and always top notch service!
I sure miss having a local shop to get my gear at! even when they all were over an hours drive to go for stuff!