Performance Rotomolded Cat. Crazy Idea?

Here's something I've been thinking about and I'll throw it out there for the heck of it. Since all of the fiberglass Hobie cat production has left the country, would there be any interest in a performance roto-molded cat? Would there be any production hurdles to a Getaway sized cat with less carrying capacity but finer, lighter symmetrical hulls, daggerboards, spinnaker gear and traps instead of wings. Using stock hardware from other models I imagine this would cost less than a classic H16. Would anyone want to buy such a thing (always the most important question)? Any thoughts?
Todd Craig

I'm thinking that as the hull cross-section was decreased it would become increasing difficult to keep the hulls "stiff". "Diminishing returns" is probably the approriate description of the design issues involved.

Brian C

Weight too. The roto molded boats are heavy.

Hi, Brian, I thought about that as well. I think there could be a lot of room for improvement before the returns diminished too far, though. Remember, we're not looking to compete with the glass racers. No rotomolded cat is going to shut down a Tiger. The getaway, for example, maximizes carrying capacity at #1000 lbs. A slightly finer, smaller teardrop shape might be more structurally rigid than the fairly round Getaway. The molded skeg and, in fact, the roto-kayak line show that the process can certainly support some fairly complex and narrow shapes. As a salesman for these boats, it would be nice to show customers something a little sexier in a USA built cat. We sell very few glass cats here and those who are looking for a bit of a thrill are going to wind up in an old H16, 18 or similar. Most of these people will never buy a new glass boat. It would be interesting to hear Matt weigh in on the technical and commercial aspects of this idea.
Todd Craig
Inland Sailing Company
www.inland-sailing.com

We still build the Hobie 16 here, so no... not all fiberglass has left the USA.

Yes, we have considered a more-performance oriented rotomolded boat. No where near the top of the "to do" list yet though.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

So....what IS on the top of the list?

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Tim
Unofficial Fleet 72 Communications Officer and Div 4 Webmaster
http://www.hobiefleet72.org
http://www.div4.hobieclass.com/

At the moment, I'd guess finishing the new cat parts and accessories catalog.

At least it BETTER BE!!!!

Brian C

MM, How about that rudder template for the epo2's? Can you publish somewhere or send me a pdf?

Nope. Two words:

Edible. Splashgear.

_________________
Tim
Unofficial Fleet 72 Communications Officer and Div 4 Webmaster
http://www.hobiefleet72.org
http://www.div4.hobieclass.com/

You must have better water quality.

Brian C

For use with the Hobie 20?

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

The Hobie 20 guys need edible splash gear?

_________________
Mike Hensel
'86 Hobie 18, '93 Hobie 14, '80 Hobie 14(restso in progress)
Wind in your sails, water in your shoes, great day!

MM, I was hoping for a template for 16's, 17's, & the 20's.

Mike, that's how we 20 sailors roll .

Isn't that the same template as the plastic blades?

http://www.hobiecat.com/support/pdfs/rudderdrill.pdf

Brian C

The 20 uses a different rake... and the current rake for a 16 using EPO2 is different from the template. I was looking at that today. I don't have a copy of the current 16 rake and it is hard for me to transfer from the metal template to this paper one, so no. I have not gotten that done yet.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)