markbriggs1 wrote:
So for those who have bought multiple H16s in the past, is there any delta in build quality? Are the new boats better or are they starting to cut corners as a result of the shrinking market and ( I am sure, consumer driven) need to reduce the initial purchase price.
Not at all. The newer boats have more consistent weights and there are a lot of things on them that were extras 35 years ago:
- Aussie jib halyard system
- Jib traveller controls w/the turning block integral to the corner casting
- Much improved jib travellers with integrated jib sheet cleats
- Integrated traveller tracks that allow a traveller with bigger wheels that doesn't bind up/break under load
- Low profile mainsheet blocks
- Double trapeze
- Trapeze adjusters and "Can't Miss" handles
- Coated wires
- EPO2 Rudders
- Rake adjustable rudder castings
- Hobie 20-style tiller connectors
- "Rifled" corner castings (better, tighter fit - also reduces stress concentrations and cracking)
- One-piece, cast gudgeons
- Adjustable batten end caps
- Double-grommeted trampolines
- A main traveller that actually works
The biggest improvement, through, has been in the build quality of the sails and trampolines. Heat welded trampolines are a significant improvement over stitched. There's no comparison between the sails pre-1995 to those after. I laugh when I see the old sails on eBay - "Still Crisp!" "Great Shape!" They have no idea what new Hobie sails are like.
Basically, Hobie has taken all the little tweaks that racers and their R&D department have had over the years and incorporated them into the production model Hobie 16. And yet, the boat's design has not changed significantly in all those years.
And no, I don't work for Hobie - I've just been a satisfied customer for 36 years.
Login
Register
FAQ
Probably from pushing to the max!