Hi all,
I have been reading a lot of this fantstic forum as I am planning to get an Adventure Island as soon as the bank balance allows.
Firstly, I have to say it is fantastic to see that so many people are communicating about their common interest, and helping each other out. The most impressive art is Hobie's own active invovlement. Great work Matt and the rest of the Hobie team.
Over they years I have used and loved many hobie cats, and been an avid kayaker. i think the mirage drive kayak is an amazing development from hobie. I have wanted one for a long time but been restricted by many factors (one factor being which to buy!)
mmiller wrote:
ZO-SIX wrote:
aww come on leak some changes please should i buy now or later? Is it going to cost a lot to update a 09 or 08 AI to the new spec's?
My reply above... no significant changes. I expect a few minor changes, but nothing that should need to be upgraded. In my opinion... not worth missing 3-4 months of sailing waiting for a 2010 model year.
On the Dune color... it is available as a kit, but I don't think sales is planning to offer as a standard option.
After much reading and youtube watching, I am hooked on the AI
However, the colour choice, really don't like red, and not keen on yellow.
However, the dune is fantastic, but I do not understand why hobie only sells this as an upgrade kit. Here's the prices I have been given from two dealers in Australia.
Adventure Island (Red or Yellow) $4150
Adventure (all colours) $2500
Upgrade Kit (Red, Yellow or Dune) $2565
Thus, here in Oz, a Dune AI costs $5065 - $915 more than a red or yellow one.
This seems (to me) to go completely against Hobie's usual outstanding customer service. How many companies out there really listen to customers feedback, then fix any problems customers have identified and then offer the fix kit for free. This is just awesome care for customers.
Why does this level of service not appear to extend to the demand for better colour choices for the Adventure Island? Especially when Hobie is obviously already making everything needed for Dune AI.
One dealer gave a stange excuse of hobie trying to limit the number of different boats the dealers have to keep in stock, but it seems that most people are having to order their AI's anyway so I'm not sure this is a valid reason.
Matt, Thanks and congratulations to you and all at Hobie on incrediable products and such fantastic serivce that deserves this amazing following. Can you please explain why Hobie is effectively charging $AU915 more for a Dune Adventure Island, by only selling as an upgrade kit?
Cheers,
Scotty.