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Performance Rotomolded Cat. Crazy Idea?
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8881		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Todd Craig [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 9:43 am ]
Post subject:  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
Author:  The Dog [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:40 am ]
Post subject: 
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
Author:  Karl Brogger [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
Weight too. The roto molded boats are heavy.
Author:  Todd Craig [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
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
Author:  mmiller [ Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Performance Rotomolded Cat. Crazy Idea?
Todd Craig wrote:
Since all of the fiberglass Hobie cat production has left the country, would there be any interest in a performance roto-molded cat?


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.
Author:  tjp [ Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Performance Rotomolded Cat. Crazy Idea?
mmiller wrote:
...Yes, we have considered a more-performance oriented rotomolded boat. No where near the top of the "to do" list yet though.

So....what IS on the top of the list? :wink:
Author:  The Dog [ Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Performance Rotomolded Cat. Crazy Idea?
tjp wrote:
mmiller wrote:
...Yes, we have considered a more-performance oriented rotomolded boat. No where near the top of the "to do" list yet though.

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


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

At least it BETTER BE!!!! :)

Brian C
Author:  hobieokc [ Wed Mar 12, 2008 11:22 am ]
Post subject: 
MM, How about that rudder template for the epo2's? Can you publish somewhere or send me a pdf?
Author:  tjp [ Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Performance Rotomolded Cat. Crazy Idea?
The Dog wrote:
At the moment, I'd guess finishing the new cat parts and accessories catalog.

At least it BETTER BE!!!! :)

Brian C

Nope. Two words:

Edible. Splashgear. :shock:
Author:  The Dog [ Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Performance Rotomolded Cat. Crazy Idea?
tjp wrote:
Edible. Splashgear. :shock:


You must have better water quality. :lol:

Brian C
Author:  mmiller [ Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:44 am ]
Post subject:  Template
Quote:
How about that rudder template for the epo2's?


For use with the Hobie 20?
Author:  mike hensel [ Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
The Hobie 20 guys need edible splash gear? :shock:
Author:  hobieokc [ Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
MM, I was hoping for a template for 16's, 17's, & the 20's.

Mike, that's how we 20 sailors roll 8) .
Author:  The Dog [ Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
hobieokc wrote:
MM, I was hoping for a template for 16's, 17's, & the 20's.

Mike, that's how we 20 sailors roll 8) .


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

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

Brian C
Author:  mmiller [ Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
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.
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