Tim, (hey!)

Is this similar to the auto industry financial situation? Perhaps these manufacturers need the sales from the replacement parts to remain viable concerns. One design rules give them a relative certain prospect of future sales on every boat they can manage to sell. From abusiness perspective this is sensible and I can see the logic. The part that frosts my butt is the disparity in prices between Hobie and other vendors. Perhaps Hobie is carrying too much overhead, or is a "top heavy" company.