fusioneng wrote:
NOHUHU :
None of the rest of us can figure out why Hobie has not done anything else to the TI either, it's beyond belief in my opinion. As far as I know the TI is one of the most popular boats on the market today, and a way bigger market than even the H14 and possibly the H16 markets combined.
Just about everyone I know that has a TI has them modified in one way or another to suit what they are using the boat for, it's the true SUV of the industry.
Hobie invented a whole new market and category of boat that is free from the age old 'One Design' restrictions that in my opinion have held the entire industry back many decades (innovation wise), of course this is just my opinion.
I feel they should have an accessories catalog just for the Adventure line of boats, with all the cool aftermarket stuff that can be added to the boats. Jib and spinnaker options as well as off shore hardening kits, motor mount kits, TI3 kits, HAKA's, etc (all the same great stuff many of us already have had on our boats for many years now).
They could market special edition versions of their TI for specific markets like Scuba diving, Off shore fishing (The TI is already probably one of the top premier off shore fishing platforms out there today), family outings, camping (with add on tents and the works), or even an all out ultimate Tandem Island version with the whole works (massive sails, hydrofoils, wing sails, motors, etc). They can't say it can't be done because I've been using mine every weekend for over 4 yrs now with no issues, everything is just bolt on, I have never made any modifications to the boat itself).
When I was growing up everyone had powerboats, but seldom can afford them any longer. The concept of a family fun boat to get the family outdoors is brilliant. The average family size in the US is 3.14 people, the market potential for this thing is huge beyond belief. An added benefit is they have a whole new generation of new people feeding into the market (kayakers). With the Hobie Mirage Kayak and kayak sailing exploding ( a giant market in itself), this is a natural feeder for the TI line of boats. Literally every kayak owner I have met, has admired my setup and said they wished they had one. I'm also approached often by frustrated powerboat owners who can't afford to take their boats out anymore and are constantly asking questions and seriously looking at other alternatives, It's not like they just don't want to get out the water anymore, they just can't afford it.
I'm just sounding off here, wondering what the heck they are thinking, missing this huge market opportunity.
I just don't get it....
Of course my opinions are my own......
Bob
couldn't agree more