Hobie crafte:
My best friend lives in Sweden, and I have been there many time ( beautiful place, where an AI/TI would be very fun).
I think used prices everywhere are supply and demand. The used(demo) price this guy got is extremely unusual even here. A new TI in us is around $5500, and the price does not vary at all.
Here you can typically get a used TI 1-2 yrs old for around 80% to 90% of new price but many accessories ( ie... Tramps, carts, etc) are typically included with the used boats, which makes buying used very worthwhile. Since 2011 Hobies manufacturing has gotten very reliable, and on any post 2011 boat I wouldn't be too worried if the 2 yr factory warranty has expired. That 2010 you listed if being sold as new from dealer should come with the 2 yr warranty. Of course I don't know the circumstances of this particular boat.
I don't think the prices are much under Hobies control ( especially used). I believe Sweden charges a 25% vat on imports ( including taxes and shipping costs). Plus the exchange rate is not so hot right now. If you check the price for a new laser in Sweden it should be comparable to a new TI ( they are similar priced here).
Look at it this way, at least the boat was not made in China, in those situations Sweden has it right and charges a 75% vat tax on stuff from china ( the correct way to do it, I wish we did that but our unfair ( incredibly stupid ) political system prevent this)
I believe china charges a 300% vat on items like boats and cars, my opinion is we should be doing the same in kind, but it's very difficult with all of our politicians in their pockets. So in truth you don't have it bad, at least your manufacturing economy was not destroyed completely.
Bob
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I ended up getting the newer one even though is was Dune colored which wasn't my favorite choice for visibility reasons. It was brand new and still all wrapped up so it still looks great. I really liked the 2011 red hibiscus but when we opened up the box a rat ran out and had left a nice gift of babies in the box with some of the soft parts chewed up. I bought it from Pack and Paddle in Lafayette Louisiana and they are a great place to deal with. Both Nate and the owner John are great people so overall I am very pleased and excited to get this thing out on the water soon.
