Mark,

I also wonder how to grow the class further. The temperature on the forum is typically "winterish", so I dont think you should read to too much into it.

To build the class further I think we need more PR, more good events, a used boat market and the F-16 class spirit. Of these we are probably ahead of schedule (saturation!) with the PR on catsailing forums, but getting pieces into publications and newspapers should be a priority.
We need more good events with focus on having a good time, but still with excellent sailing. We need reports and pictures from those events to reach sailing magazines and websites. We have a chicken and egg problem with boats vs. events, but still it is important to get out information about the events so people can see that there is activity.
We need a larger used boat market with entry level prices. That is one of the great strengths of the Hobie16 class, there are boats available everywhere and at all prices. I know there is interest all over this country, but new or "almost new" boats are too expensive or too far away to pick up.
We need to build the F-16 class spirit, the "can do", "have fun", "great time", "go fast", "excellent dudes" feeling.

That is my toughts about how to grow the class further and faster without bringing in topics like the internet and the forum. If the class had a budget we could target areas and do some advertising, but "viral" marketing and "word of mouth" works pretty well.