New TI issues

The deal with the Weta fell through so I purchased a new 2015 Hobie TI to replace the 2014 with. Here are some things you may want to look at.

The spring that locks the mast in place doesn't engage completely, for now I have rigged a small nylon string for a tie there. I also had aka damage on the forward port aka. It was slightly crushed I assume from shipping. I have spoke with the dealer and he has turned in the info but it seems that Hobie shows no date as to when these parts will be available.

Is this normal ops for Hobie?

Most of the dealers fix those kind of things before they are put on the showroom floor. If I was a dealer my customers would never see what you are describing. If damaged in shipment, I would have refused delivery from the shipper (but thats just me). The boat likely left Hobies factory pristine, a claim will likely need to be filed with the shipper, hopefully the dealer is assisting in this process (that's their job, and why it's always better to work with local dealers. Anything broken or damaged in transit should be replaced and repaired by the transit company (paid for anyway), this is normal business practice as far as I know. Hobiecat company is pretty awesome, and usually assist in any way they can (but they are not responsible for the damage if it occurred in transit, I hate to say, but it's true, they would not ship a crushed kayak.....), little annoying issues yes, you might see little things like rudders not working correctly, ill fitting hatches, etc on rare occasions coming from the factory, this is another reason I buy from my local dealer, and inspect the boat carefully before taking delivery. Only dealers can file warranty claims, I'm pretty sure Hobie has no system in place to work directly with end users. Everything is done by the dealer network, this is why it's better to buy local, I have heard many horror stories of guys buying mail order from out of state to save a couple bucks on sales tax. The irony of it in Florida and probably some other states is when you try to register the boat, if sales tax was never paid, they charge you the tax anyway (lol), pretty important to keep your reciept, and make sure the HID number is written on the reciept....).


Also when you recieve the new boat, make sure you get the certificate of origin before accepting the boat, without it the boat can never be registered or titled. Our insurance agent insisted we title and register our TI (automatic grand theft felony if ever stolen), if you ever go to a police impound auction, you will see dozens of stolen and recovered kayaks, but never registered and titled vehicles (they are usually returned to to the rightful owner, if they can find them (just FYI).
Bob