New Hobie 18's

Ok so here is how it lies Hobie have given us the chance to get new 18's made however we need 20 orders in by the 6th Feb...
So who is interested???
If you are please lodge your interest and leave a possible deposit with your local dealer Hobie Australia need numbers so they can allocate a run of boats for us....
Cheers
JJ

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JonJay Kersh
Team Australia
Hobie 18's

JJ - did Steve say that these would be available in the US?

You're a lot more likely to get your 20 orders if you include us.

Agree totally with Professor Matt B. Would it help if someone from Oceanside stepped in and provided Forum readers with a 'suggested' price and possible delivery schedule? Plus prices/delvery for hulls only.

I am torn between travelling to Des Moines to buy H18 'The Last One', picking up a used H18 in Michigan, (I'll get back to you soon), or ditching the whole idea and investing in a recent model used Tiger plus another approx US$1,900 plus freight and taxes for wings. (There's a nice one at Nautical V in Ft Lauderdale).

And we're considering buying a used H16 from a CW, a frequent Forum contributor so we can enter the H16NAC in July. All these decisions! It's not so much the money as the time.

So yesterday, I gave up decision making and had fun skiing with my 14 year old and friends at minus 20 C. Do your own calculation to F. Yes, it was cold.

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Ummmmm.... Because we'd love to have some new 18's to sell, Aris has spoken with Doug Skidmore at Hobie. Based on what I've been told about that conversation, I don't think anyone should plan on 18's being built.

I think the "if it sounds too good to be true...." saying applies.

Yeah he did say they would be available in the US and given we have already three over here that leaves 17 to have orders on before the 6th Feb i have the confirmation Email from Mr Feilds Stating that they will be built as long as we get the numbers...
Business is business
they need the orders we need the boats...
Price is to be set at $19-21000 Aus
so by the time that is converted to USD it makes them affordable plus shipping if i have to i will load a container from Australia for you Guys...
just get your interest recorded on the boats and leave a deposit if possible...
Lets get these babies on the water!!!

_________________
JonJay Kersh
Team Australia
Hobie 18's

First I have heard of it... not likely to happen anywhere in the world as the extrusions are the biggest problem. Hulls are easy.

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

What are your feelings on having new hulls made? Is that something that Hobie would ever consider as a means of supporting current owners with older (fatigued) boats?

Unfortunately, I think that if there is even still just that one lone boat in Iowa that hasn't been sold, it represents how much true interest there is in the US. By my thinking, if someone in the US really was interested in getting a new 18, they would much rather make domestic arrangements as opposed to going through the hassle of dealing with a foreign manufacturer and overseas shipping etc, and so the Iowa boat would be gone.

It would definintely be cool to see more new boats out there, but considering Hobie USA hasn't even heard of this plan, there has been no determined price, and there is a little over two weeks to get 17 commitments, my expectations are not too high.

sm

Mat i link yourself to www.HC18.org
You will see a confirmation from Mr Feilds i also have a direct email stating Hobie Australia's intentions to build the 18's if we can get 20 orders internationally.
So if they have sent the email why is it that Hobie US dont know about it?
I will forward you the email if you would like.
Thanks
JJ

_________________
JonJay Kersh
Team Australia
Hobie 18's

Who has the new boat in Iowa?
I may know someone interested.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

Think hull replacement costs in the range of at least $3,500 to well over $4,000 per hull. This is the reality that dampens the interest in this idea each time it comes up.

Not a new idea guys... been over this many times.

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

This is a most valid point, and yes, the issue is back, courtesy of JJ.

So now folks like myself must decide -
do we spend three sailing days repairing soft hulls or seam leaks or whatever,
OR do we spend $4k per hull to keep sailing on what we know, on what we have looked after well,
OR do we spend ?$10K to buy a used Tiger, plus $2K more for wings etc

To buy that Tiger/new H18/used H18 will cost me two sailing days.
(Drive to Michigan or Chicago or whereever).

To strip down a H18 and re-assemble with a new starboard hull is a couple of hours. Plus all my buddies will bring along beers.

To be safe, I'd better consult with Mrs. President before I commit to any of my options. Maybe I'll buy her a beer and then consult with her.

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

It is quit obvious nothing will happen in 09 as far as a delivery of new 18s. But the fantasy of it happening is fun. There is a good deal of attention by Hobie 18 sailors on this topic. This keeps the dream alive! Once we all stop talking about, it’s dead.

The question was raised, “if Jim still has a new 18 he hasn’t sold, then why make more?â€

_________________
Clint Ellis
#16918
1982 H18
[email protected]

The H18 was discontinued based on sales, or lack there of. Hobie Cat Company is a business 1st and foremost. It's not good business sense to keep building a boat no one was buying just for the sake of building it. I agree some sort of limited run boats would be cool but they would cost an arm and a leg to build a limited supply of boats.

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

The reality is that the 18 was abandoned by the customer long before Hobie stopped production. Cruisers started buying Getaways instead. Racers started buying 20's.

In the last few years of 18 production, we sold plenty of 20's and Getaways, but no 18's.

I understand the history of why they quit making the 18. I would have too!!! But it's a new day. What does the future hold for Hobie Racing for the casual regatta racer? The wave or the 16. That's it. Or tune up that old 18. That's what i'm doing.

_________________
Clint Ellis
#16918
1982 H18
[email protected]