Hobie AI sad news

Roller,

Glad to hear that you've decided to buy. I was in two minds for a different reason, but I'm glad I went ahead. Unfortunately, I'm carrying an injury at the moment (ruptured long head bicep tendon) and have to wait 'til after an op before I can get back out on the water. I'm gutted.

glenn_SouthRiver,


Not sure what country a couple of hours east of London is, but Harrogate is approx. 1 hour from the North Sea, approx. 1 hour from the Irish Sea, and approx 1 1/2 hours from The Lake District.

I've no idea how much it would cost to ship your boat over. It might be easier/cheaper to order one over here ready for your arrival, and get a friend to sell it when you depart. Just a thought.

Ger.

Quite right. Actually the cheapest price in Europe is in the UK, at least for those coming from the Euro zone like me !
I have not regreted once my purchase ; yes they don't come cheap but you get good quality for money, in a unique concept, that really shines in my eyes.

I reckon you'll struggle to find a $3600 deal on an AI in Australia. Dunno where you got that from. There was an '08 boat sold on ebay a little while ago for about $3600. Though why you'd pay that for an out of date boat secondhand with no warranty when you could have a new one for bugger all more with the upgrades like the V2 mirage drive and the new rudder mechanism is beyond me.

I bought two (inc beach carts) and I know I got a good price but it definately had a 4 in the front of it, as did the price I just got to get a third one. (Haven't decided whether to do that yet or not...)

Incidently if you get an Adventure in Australia they are about $2500. To upgrade later puts the package together at about $4600-4700 from memory.

Going on Friday's exchange rate the AI here in Aussie Dollars is nearly a neat UK2000 or EURO2330 and they'd probably throw in a beach cart. Depending on what it costs to get it to the UK I can see how someone would come here and take one home for a profit.

Dave

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A Hobie Sport and 2 Hobie Adventure Island's - Papaya & Hibiscus - I couldn't make up my mind so like I usually end up doing with lures I bought both and hid the credit card statement

Based on Dave's figures looks like you could have a cheap holiday here and take home an AI for a similar price as buying in Europe, depending on the shipping charges. Go figure?
As far as I'm aware the warranty is transferrable, it goes with the kayak, so secondhand shouldn't be an issue in that regard. The latest model will have all the improvements which compared to say, an 07, are worthwhile.
Last time I checked the AI conversion was AU$2500 list.

Hey guys, don't rub it in - you'll talk him out of it again .

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The AI costs £2999 here with no extras included or deals to be had. The retailers say that Hobie wont let them discount them. There is also no new ones in stock here either. I was going to buy new, but as no one had stock I ended up going secondhand.

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Either lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way!

Know'n you Stringy, you will be planning an island hop across to the UK to flog your's off.
Pity Hobie haven't got a tandem, I'd go with you.

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

The solution is simple. Buy AI in the US and then sail it to UK

Really Coastbum, do they make tandems AI's in the US. Can you post a photo ?

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

You've now got me thinking there Slaughter!
No stop, don't encourage me!

That's a good thought. Thanks guys!

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When in doubt, let it out.
- Anonymous

Not at this time.

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

A couple of hours east of London, you'll need a boat! Turn left as you leave the Thames estuary, and there is some of the finest sailing to be found in the UK - the East Coast Rivers of Essex and Suffolk literally 'ooze' history and atmosphere. Unfortunately, they also ooze an awful lot of mud, and the tides are ferocious.

The Northeast coast of England is a bit short of sheltered water, but the Lake District is probably good, if maybe a little crowded at peak times.

The AI would probably be most at home around the beaches of Southwest England and South/West Wales, but that is quite a long drive both from London and from Harrogate.

Yeah, launch out from Clevedon, 47' tides and mud all the way to Wales!

Oops, I forgot about the Severn Estuary!