My new Revo 13 has "DEMO" stamped in it

All,

I recently purchased what I thought was a brand new, 2017 Revolution 13 about a week ago, paying close to full retail. (I did get a 5% discount as they ordered a Blue boat as I asked but they received an Ivory Dune colored one). I was really excited about this boat as it's my first kayak. Well today, I noticed that it has "Demo" stamped (sort of melted) into the hull. Now, I'm wondering what exactly I have. Why would my new kayak have demo stamped in it if it's a new boat? It does have the new 180 drive system. Is this boat in any way different or inferior to a "Regular", new 2017 (not Demo") boat? Did they get this at a discount on this and not pass it on to me? Obviously I'm concerned now, not to mention how resale might be affected if I ever decide to sell it. Before I call my dealer, I just want to be armed with some information, so any insight is appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian

We sell demo kayaks to dealers with the intention for them to be used as part of their demo program; and not to be sold as new. Please notify your dealer of your situation.

_________________
Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

Will do Howie. Thanks.

It is a new boat. It is 100% sound. As Matt stated, "Demo" is stamped on the hull because the dealer has received a greater discount on the boat (I think each dealer can buy a certain number of "demo" boats each year) so that they will use it for exactly that purpose - a demo boat for potential customers to try out. Some will outright sell these boats rather than using them as actual demos to reap the higher margin then involved. Others follow the more correct procedure of using them as demos and then discounting them a bit to sell as a "used" boat at the end of the year.

Just wanted to follow up with whoever may read this in the future. Hobie's customer service and my dealer handled this superbly. It was an honest mistake, as my dealer was a brand-new dealer. I was offered The choice of a brand-new, non-demo boat, but in the end elected to keep the one I had. Again Hobie's follow up with addressing this issue was superb. It gives me reassurance that any issues in the future will be handled without question. My hats off to Hobie.


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