2011 Island Conversion Kit?

Will Hobie be changing the crossbars and akas in this kit to use the improved 2011 design? Is a different p/n being assigned to distinguish the change so one can be certain the 2011 parts will be provided?

We will not offer the 2011 crossbar in a kit this season.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I hope that fact is well advertised by the retailers or there will be some very surprised and disappointed customers.

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I fear that Hobie will wait until all of the old inventory of already packaged kits is exhausted, which would explain the apparent lack of a scheduled transition. If this is the case, the existing inventory should be cut in price, and kits with the new crossbars and akas should be offered immediately and priced per the old kit (at approximately the retail cost differential between an Adventure and the Island). I think it would take at least a $200 differential to attract buyers to the older kits. With no discount, it could be two years or more before the old inventory is depleted. I have no idea what the sales volume of the Adventure is, but I would expect it to be dramatically less than the AI despite the substantial additional cost of an AI. I don't recall ever seeing an Adventure on the water (or in a dealership), perhaps they are more popular in coastal areas though.

I still think at least a new ama should be designed for the AI to help address the diving issue; or better yet, a whole new hull (a new ama would be a far less expensive mold). The latter could provide the TI improvements (increase bow volume/buoyancy, elevate the seat position so you are not sitting in water, built-in retractable dagger board, inclined hatches, etc.). There is clearly demand for an "EI" ("Extreme Island") with the capability of sailing in stronger wind, which should be recognized as a marketing opportunity. A new EI model could be offered exclusively as a trimaran, and even forgo the rotating mast. I have often contemplated moving up to a Wave, but so far I've been unwilling to surrender having a Mirage drive. Given how old the Wave is, maybe it is time for it to be replaced with a trimaran in fact.

It is very common for us to hold back on upgrade kits and sail colors for a season. You want the newest stuff... you buy the new model boat.

I expect we will offer V2 conversions by the fall. One year after introduction of the V2 on the AI.

The Wave is the number one selling small cat. It isn't going to be discontinued or altered into a tri, but a larger tri with drive is something we naturally would consider.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Good day gentlemen,

Firstly, I'm retired, live in the UK and have sailed inland water on Laser dinghies
for several years.

Second, after almost a year of reading these forums, early this year I purchased
a Hibiscus Adventure (2014). I am enjoying enormously the freedom of the
Cornish coastal waters and the inland rivers and creeks... makes me smile each
time I look at the seemingly never ending stream of walkers along the cliff top
footpaths, boy what they are missing!

I have decided to purchase the upgrade kit via my dealership, which he informs
me they will collect from the Netherlands this weekend. I have searched for a
comprehensive list of components that comprise the upgrade kit (99504002
ISLAND CONVERSION KIT V2 - RED) to no avail.

During my trawl through the web and these forums I came across a thread that
referred to 'old' stock of upgrades sitting on shelves... these did not have the 'new'
bits referred to in the following link:

https://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtop ... ade+kit+v2

I have asked for confirmation of the year of manufacture as I'm concerned
'mine' may be 'old stock'.

Could anyone point me to a comprehensive list of components which will
come in the kit, and how the year of manufacture can be ascertained?

Apologies in advance if this question has been asked previously, but I just
can't find it and time is running low for me to back out of the purchase.

Many thanks for all and any advice.

Regards,

PS if the kit comes through I hope to implement it in October when I've finished
plying the creeks along the Cornish coast. Plenty of photo's of the various stages of
build help future upgraders!

V1 vs V2

V1... akas (hinge) pin to the crossbars.

V2... akas have a hinged casting that inserts into the crossbars.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)