Question for Matt Miller and the Hobie Marketing Dept.

Hey Guys
Really good points from everyone:

Dang Yah, more freeboard on the hull and Amas would be great not only for more buoyancy but also more weight at the lowest center of the hull.This would add those much needed storage areas to keep overnight gear below deck where it will add to stability as opposed to loading down the amas and/or Tramps. It would also possibly solve soggy foot, soggy butt-itis,

...as a result of 'slightly' more freeboard (considering weight always) , the next idea could work really well)

A 'light wind' sail rig would be awesome. It would be cool if we could find a way to make the top half of the Mast higher and thinner and possibly use a zipper to attach and make a top sail added to the 'missing' part of the standard AI sail to get that little extra when winds are below 10 knots (approx). This also should not interfere with the furling system, it just would mean:
The optional added sail area on top and and the optional top section of the mast on the Light Wind option, (and possibly a beef up of the mast fittings on deck and in the turnbuckles system below deck).

A 'Speedo' / Expedition model of using the TI hull with a stretched AI deck would mean a total redesign of the craft, yet considering that sales or hot, why not. It could come at a steep price though, but Hobie can figure out production costs (I'm sure), if it is commercially viable.

Myself, I would like to add:

1) Amas and Hull shaped with a tighter knife edge on them (protected by replaceable keel strips). This should allow a faster turn radius, more hull efficiency and possibly a smoother ride.

2) (I believe this was mentioned by Rnykster): a more Duck bill shape to the Hull and amas to allow the boat to handle larger waves.

3) An option to allow a foldable short tripod shaped stainless steel tubing rig with a spreader bar that would allow a 'moderate' water kite in the 3 to 5 meter range to be used on these boats with the mast and sail stowed on the akas with a cradle.

However, I've grown very fond of 'Trinomite' since I bought her after a month long refit.

Yet we as the customers can always ask to improve this impressive vessel...
Only time (and a digital scale) will tell if some or all of these ideas can come to fruition.

Best of the Best to you all
Trinomite

_________________
Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

I agree with Trinomites' recommendations...

I'd also like to see:

1: A "mini-AI" about the same length as a Revo, but with a lighter hull and the same sail-area as the current AI .

As Trinomite mentioned; a redesigned bow (and outriggers) to help to combat the submarining in strong winds and bigger seas.

2: A "mini-Outback" (I guess the Sport is sort-of there!) about with decent front storage-hatch and another 8" twist-n-seal at the rear.

3: A proper (5.0m+) sea-kayak with Mirage drive. Possibly glass, but better-still: carbon composite!

4: Better price-parity for us Aussies - despite the weak US dollar, we're still paying the same (and more) for Hobies over here.

Well, I guess it doesn't cost anything to dream!

Cheers,

Mike.

Mingle
Great ideas.
I feel for you, M8. In Canada our dollar is worth more than the US buck but we still get screwed and glued by Import surcharges, and an excessive tax (GST) that makes the dollar difference slide into Neptune's locker.
I can only imagine the extra freight charges that you end up paying at retail in Australia. Yet I do believe that Hobie has their own factory there. That should at least help to offset cost at the Cash Register to you indirectly.
It also stands to reason as most world wide manufacturers find it cheaper to ship parts that your country can't produce, that a lot of the fittings come from elsewhere (ie: The States, or possibly China)
In my humble opinion, sell the idea of the boat you own to your friends:

The more happy customers Hobie has, the lower the cost per unit will eventually happen...hopefully.

Regards
Trinomite

_________________
Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Just in case anyone doubts my intentions:
- I do not work for Hobie or any supplier to this Corporation.
- I am a retired investor that lets his assets be managed by a highly skilled Stock Investor that may buy assets as he wills and as I see fit due to market values (or losses).
- My only reason to promote the Hobie line of Products is due to my positive experience as only a customer with a well designed line of boats that I have had the pleasure to use.
- I also understand the business side of boats. It is a tough market to crack as all boats are a series of compromises that may suit a few but perhaps not all.
- I stand true that Hobie has researched the market and has tried to provide the best products for the various reasons that people use their products for their own purposes.
- I also understand that any boat can be shaped and reshaped as long as the laws of Physics are respected.
- I do not claim to have a 'better' idea on redesign. Designing a new boat or reshaping any vessel is a huge investment in time, company assets, R&D, and production testing.

I only share my opinion as we all do here.

Regards
Trinomite

_________________
Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

I have had repeated problems with that since getting my new hull with the Click N Go system. Next, the drive wedges itself a bit sideways, and it's hard to get it back like it belongs.

I'm glad Hobie replaced it under warranty, but at those times, I miss my old hull.