Hobie Serial numbers

I've often wondered...and this question is directed specifically towards older (70's & 80's) boats, as newer serial numbers have evolved to record year of manfacture AND model year.

The new models begin manufacture in August, therefore

Is an 86A a 1986 model built in August of 1985?

and an 86G a 1986 model built in February of 1986?

In other words, is the old numbering scheme giving us "actual year", and month of manufacture?
Or "model year", and month of manufacture?

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Got me? The guru of Hobie History is away from the office for the week, so I can't check.

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

That's my understanding. My '84 H-16 was purchsed in the fall of '83 and had an M84C as the last four digits of the HIN (made in October '83, '84 model year).

I looked over a '78 H16 last Saturday and the serial number ended in "R"

as in XXX...78C R

I dont recall if I was looking at the port or the starboard hull (for those who may want to ask "was the other hull marked L?")

Anyone seen this before, or know what it signifies? The boat has black anodize and SE style stripes.

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Infact, I noticed the same thing on my 79 hulls, yes there is a L on the port and r on the other one(not sure how to spell starboard)

_________________
Sail Like you Have a Pair
Bluish gray 73 - 83 H16
Super Nice Yellow 84 H18