ChaosDave wrote:
I hope that isn't really Hobie's attitude, basically if something is selling well then it doesn't need improvement.
Surely you're joking! There isn't another company that improves their products like Hobie does. The AI alone has modifications on several of its systems to improve comfort, reliability and performance. Whenever possible they also take pains to insure that these are backwards compatible so the older model owners are not left out or their boats obsolete.
If you look beyond the AI, you'll see this is a company hallmark. Look at the Mirage Drive for example -- a solid record of continual improvements. If you look at the Hobie's other models, you'll find cockpit upgrades, hull upgrades, rudder system improvements right down to the hatches and seats.
There are a lot of considerations in determining if and when it may be reasonable to produce a new item. Some examples -- company resources and priorities, costs of engineering and tooling, existing patents and other proprietary considerations, in some cases class limitations (sailboats especially).
When similar products are readily available (for instance, wave deflectors and Bob's spray shields) why would Hobie commit its resources to jump into those markets?
As we've all seen, the upcoming Tandem Island shows improved versions of several AI systems. I suspect many of these will come back to the AI ultimately as well, just as the Click N Go concept was proven with the inflatables and subsequently migrated into the entire Hobie line of Mirage kayaks.
I imagine Hobie has a "dream sheet" of projects it would like to get involved with when time and resources permit. No doubt, many of these ideas have come from the talented group of users on this forum. In fact, some are already sitting on your AI!
In the meantime, if you want a spray shield, call reconlon -- his wife's price and quality can't be beat -- or make it yourself from his well researched free plans!. If you want a wave deflector, just order it. Better yet, design one yourself and sell it!