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PostPosted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 11:51 pm 
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Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
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Location: Escondido
This is the first of a two part series reviewing the new Sport. Part I looks at the features and Part II examines the boat on the water: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=49343&p=221266#p221266

Part 1: Walk around

The biggest change this year is a redesigned hull bottom. Length and width remain unchanged, but capacity has increased. There is more freeboard, secondary stability is improved and hull slap and pounding have been all but eliminated. Here's a look at the old...
Image

...and the new bottom. The bow has been reworked, the chines (bottom side edges) have been deepened and rounded and the stern area has been plumped up for greater cargo well capacity:
Image

Interestingly, Hobie has (as of this writing) not changed the published specifications, but I would guess the weight capacity has been increased by at least 50 lbs. Measured hull (my bathroom scale) weight has actually been reduced by 1.5 lb. to 52.5 lb. (both boats were weighed at the same time, same place). Cockpit length remains the same.

While still looking at the bottom, notice that the Sport is now one of the six hulls with built-in "Lawrence" ready transducer capability. This enables someone to install a depth/fish finder easily and neatly without modifying the hull. In addition to the transducer fitting, there are three through-hull fittings that minimize cable exposure and provide for screen mounts on either side of the seat in the tray areas. Note also the reinforced scuppers in the picture below:
Image

Looking at the deck/cockpit area starting at the bow, notice the new bow hatch (right side) has a 13.5" diagonal opening for greater internal access.
Image

The cockpit footwell has been raised by about 1.5" and leveled for increased volume capacity (notice in above photo how the Click N Go units appear deeper)

Side pockets have been added for increased storage.
New:
Image
Old:
Image

Rudder up/down controls and rudder lock down cleat have been moved out of the tray areas for less obstruction (rudder down handle highlighted, above left, depth finder thru hull fitting highlighted above right, cleat just below).

The drink holders actually drain completely now.

Two lift handles replace the one on the older model (shown in pics #4,5,6).

Paddle mounts have been modified for rotomolding improvements. (more about this in part 2).

Seat pegs are updated to the current style (not shown).

The cargo well has been shortened to give the stern a larger, more pronounced deck, buoyancy reserve and reduce water intrusion from wake:
Image

Updated rudder mount minimizes rotomolding potential leak defects (see above).

Here are a few more comparison pics:
Image Image

Image
New Sport next to Revo 11.
Part II continues the comparison on the water. viewtopic.php?f=11&t=49343&p=221266#p221266 8)


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