fusioneng wrote:
That's a cutting machine for cutting vinyl and pretty much anything else (things like iron on T-shirts, etc).
Probably way easier just to print with a regular printer then laminate.
FE
PS: I'm pretty sure changing that sticker is highly illegal, and if something were to happen we are talking massive prison time.
If you plan to use the boat as a family boat, your only recourse is to get rid of it and get something else, there is no work around. I no longer recommend these boats for families, at least until Hobie resolves this issue.
This is only a recent development, I suspect how it came about is I think all manufacturers agreed to apply these capacity plaques a while back. Since there is no US Federal requirement for capacity (that I know of). All the states took it on themselves in the last couple years to enact laws referencing these crazy plaques that all the manufacturers agreed to put on their boats.
Now depending on the state, you really have no recourse, if you live in one of these states ( Florida is one) it's best to sell the boat and get something else if your intent is to take your family on the boat, or you plan to use the boat offshore, and power the boat (pretty neccessary if used offshore). No other options.
In Florida now it's particularly painful (in the last year or two), since the law clearly states that they abide by the manufacturers plaque with regard to capacity and hp ratings. The plaque on my boat clearly states 2 persons, and max HP ratings of 400 watts (basically the Evolve motor only), so if you have any intentions of adding an outboard (or even a 55lb electric) for going offshore. Forget it ( besides I highly discourage anyone taking a stock TI offshore (especially in the keys), the problem is the stock boat is not powerful enough to overcome the normal wind and currents (basically you get blown out to sea and can't get back).
Oh well.
Excellent post and well stated.
I think Hobie should stop marketing the TI as a family boat, at least until this is resolved, if ever. In
9 out of 15 photos in their 2016 TI image gallery they clearly show more than two people in the boat:
Clearly they are targeting families in their marketing for this boat. Yet this is what they label the boat for us to deal with marine law enforcement authorities:There is obviously something very wrong here.
Where I live the local marine police are always present right at the dock constantly checking boats for safety. If you could somehow get past them both they and the coast guard maintain a constant vigil on the water and routinely stop all types of recreational boats on the water to check for safety compliance. I've been stopped more times than I can remember.
I purchased this boat with the intention of taking both my son and daughter out together. Now when I go I have to tell one or the other they can't come. That is always heartbreaking for me. All because of a mislabeled sticker from the manufacturer that I'm not allowed by law to remove or alter.
So if a family of three or more purchased a TI based upon Hobie's marketing, which clearly show families on board, then they will have spent their $6,349 in vain because they'll soon be told by the authorities that they are in violation of state marine laws due to the capacity sticker.
If anyone with a family is reading this forum and thinking of purchasing a TI or AI, please first check with the local marine authorities where you live and anywhere else you may wish to sail this boat. Do this before you buy. And Hobie, either do something to resolve this issue or pull your marketing showing this as a family boat.