Hobie AI sad news

Thanks guys....

I think my company will ship my AI for me. I'm still not sure where I'm going next summer but I'm hoping for the UK.

Glenn

_________________
When in doubt, let it out.
- Anonymous

Roller
I know how you feel.
If I was cynical I might think it was the main dealer in Europe possibly in collusion with Hobie who is doing the price fixing.
Before I purchased my AI I spoke to a number of UK suppliers who said they would like to reduce the price but are not allowed.
You may find though that if you shop around and you ask nicely (with the promise of an order) some suppliers might throw in some freebies (Try asking for free delivery) to take away the shock to your wallet.
I live in Scotland and my nearest supplier is 40 miles away. I placed my order with the company below (300miles away). Might be worth a chat, Ben is very helpfull.
Ben
Cheltenham & Gloucester Canoes
Tel:01242 228484 Fax:01242 228488
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.cheltenham-canoes.co.uk/

I have ordered my AI from the Cornish shop, same company as Cheltenham and Gloucester Canoes, we came to a deal, not a discount on the boat, but a discount on other bits and bobs......

I've been in business for many years and can smell a Bullshister a mile off, these lads came across as very genuine..

Fingers crossed the yak will be here at the end of the month, been along wait , but should be worth it, only thing worrying is my sailing skills lol err never ever sailed before, plenty of boating experience just not wind power...

_________________
Every day is an Adventure Island day

That's great news, you wont regret it, I am very pleased with mine.

I am getting my new rudder parts from Cornwall Canoes. I agree with you, they come across well and appear to know their stuff.
I originally tried Brighton Canoes as my AI was supplied by them and they are the nearest shop to me that stocks Hobie, but no one bothered to pick up the phone in the 5 times or so I tried to ring them over a couple of days, so I wont bother them again.

Whereabouts are you based Roller? If you are near the Southcoast, you are welcome to come down to Hayling Island and I would be happy to give you some support on your maiden voyage.

_________________
Either lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way!

Northsea,

It was your post that sent me to Cheltenham Canoes. You were dead right. Ben & Co. were very helpful and are genuinely nice blokes. Ben did a deal for me with accessories (non Hobie), but he couldn't budge on the boat. He didn't say so, but I believe his hands were tied. The words "cartel" & "monopoly" spring to mind. But I personally wouldn't suggest such a thing.
I recently requested a price for the Hobie traps from Ben; I don't think he had any room for manoeuver, and I didn't buy them. I've got to keep some cash for my retirement. Perhaps I could ask my wife to knit a pair.

Thanks for that long ago lead Northsea.

Ger

Ger
I think I might need to contact Ben about some commission.

Northsea

Lol, Maaaaaaate! I dont blame you for feeling ripped, that's a natural reaction I would have too.

Mebbe you could migrate to Oz AND get your AI all for the UK price with some nice sunny climate to sail in as well?

Dunno whats happening with England, no wonder 260,000 Britons emigrated last year, if I buy a quality English-built TRICE Bicycle I can get it here in Oz $USD600 cheaper than it costs in England???

_________________
Fair Skies, Max.

Hi Skymax, fingers crossed I'll be in Oz in 18 months time, and this time I won't be going home!!. Good old NSW coast here we come. my wife's an Aussie and my kids all have dual citizenship..........


I'll sell my AI here then, head straight for Mclean Outdoors for a new AI................

_________________
Every day is an Adventure Island day

Possibly another AI for the NSW fleet.
Any idea which part of NSW?

_________________

Maybe before locking in NSW Roller you should consider Victoria Australia where you definately meet and mix with nicer sort of people...Pirate

_________________
Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

Yeah, you can sit around and socialise with them on all those days when it's too cold for sailing.

_________________

LOL.....Pirate

_________________
Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

Gosford mate, good old central coast...

Sorry Pirate, coming from the UK I need to get all the fine weather I can get, I'm a sunlight deprived Brit you now...

_________________
Every day is an Adventure Island day

Well keep thinking that way and good luck to you in Gosford. Anyway we East Gippslanders really want to preserve the wonderful wilderness natural nature of this area with its breathtaking landscapes, idealic waterways, and fantastic climate (far more sunshine hours per day than Gosford enjoys), and really don't want to clog up the system with foreigners over-running the area...LOL...Pirate

_________________
Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

The truth of the matter is mate I'd live anywhere in Oz, but my wife has relatives in Gosford...


Hey Pirate mate, buddy, which area is best for a mad keen fisho, East Gippsland or Central Coast??

_________________
Every day is an Adventure Island day