Rumor has it... ? For Matt Miller

Rumor has it that Hobie has stopped production during Covid, and may not start up again until it is time for 2021 model year boats.

Question for Matt: Is the Sport model being discontinued for 2021? I have interest in one, but can't find one in red. Can't find one anywhere, really, regardless of color.
Follow Up Question for Matt Miller: I'd really like a Compass in red. Should I wait for the fall lineup or go ahead and order papaya now? (As in: have you heard if there might be a red coming

Cheers.

Not true. We have been in full production mode since the first week of May. Just can't keep up with the volume of boat orders. Parts shipping normally ships same-day... now, three weeks behind and can't catch up. EVERYBODY wants to play since they are home.

2021 announcements come in the fall. I don't have info on changes planned.

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

Great news I am patiently waiting for my compass duo.

Thanks Matt!! Due to no info on 2021 colors, I marched right down to my local outfitter and drove away with not one, but TWO 2020 Compass kayaks. One for Mrs. Puto (Slate Blue) and one for my buddy (Seagrass) who came along for the ride and end up spontaneous-purchasing his own.

Sweet!

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

You say your three weeks behind? I’ve been waiting on my ordered green Outback since June 23rd. Ordered from Southwind Kayaks in Irvine Ca. Any ideas when I can expect it, because I’m getting tired of the “hopefully soon” when they originally told me they were getting a shipment the next week after I placed my order.

Parts shipping is three weeks behind. Boats may be more.

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

Are the 2020 Outback seats on backorder and if so about how long please?

I just got my boat yesterday evening. While I was installing the H-Rail upgrade kit, I was having trouble installing one of the bars. Upon closer inspection of the H-rail, I noticed that the bar itself was twisted. Do I just bring the twisted bar back to the dealership and have them swap it out, or is there another way?

The short one in the rear? The Deluxe upgrade? Can't be much of a twist in the short length that would cause an issue. I do hear that the caps have to be tightened down to fit.

Your dealer should help sort this out for you if needed.

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

Yup, the deluxe upgrade. It's enough of a twist that it cannot be bolted down without applying a serious side load to the brass nut inserts - and even then, I doubt I'd be able to get everything flush. It isn't immediately noticeable, and took me a minute to realize why it wasn't lining up. I'm just worried if the dealer has a replacement in stock. I don't want to have to wait another few weeks.

I'll ask engineering if there is a workaround. Maybe relieve the inside of the plastic parts on one end as a temporary fix.

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

We, too, paid in full for two Outback kayaks on June 15, 2020, and were told that ours were in a shipment expected beginning of July. No arrival. Upon inquiry, we were told they were in California waiting to get to Texas. No arrival. Now, two weeks later, told they were hung up in customs. Customs?? Now we're told it will be "the middle of August", but no real assurance they will be here then. Not feeling real confident anybody really knows if we will ever get them.

I have no doubt that Hobie is seeing unprecedented demand and backlog. Not sure it’s a good practice for dealers to take payment on products not able to supply timely.

Probably doesn’t help that US production is in California, with the recent outbreak trends.

I personally would like to find a rectangular hatch bucket. None to be found. Anyone have any alternative products that can be used in this hatch other than an empty shoebox? Not interested in the tackle box mgmt system. Don’t want my loose things rattling around in the hull either.

Parts and accessory shipping have caught up and are now shipping current orders.

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