Just so you guys know that Hobie Cat is not makeing a ton of dough on a Hobie 20 trampoline...
Tim,
I just reviewed the costs of the Hobie 20 trampoline...
The 20 tramp has 5.3 times the cost of labor and overhead that the 16 tramp has. Yikes!
The 16 trampoline has 1.68 hours of labor. The 20 tramp has 8.9 hours of labor.
There are several reasons the labor is so much more. We build hundreds of 16 tramps and they are basically square. When we cut trampolines for the 16 we can slit a roll of cloth in an automated system. They run seams through our welders by hundreds of feet at a time. The 20 is more of a custom run. The 20 trampoline is cut with a very precise pattern, one at a time. It has tons of little details that the 16 trampoline does not have. Pockets, grommets, little webbing straps. The shape is a net fit with the hulls.
I must admit... it is a nice trampoline.
Hobie sells the 20 trampoline for $630.00. (In 1999 the 20 tramp was listed as $720.00. It has been $630.00 since 2000 regardless of the increases in labor and overhead costs we have incurred.) The 20 trampoline is available in Black, Teal, Turquoise and Blue. All of these are IN STOCK so you can sail tomorrow if you need one.
The trampolines are all heat welded vinyl. These are proven to be the longest lasting trampoline materials and process available. Other direct sales companies have lesser quality materials that are stitched. We know we have to compete with these guys in some way, but we cannot give away product to do so.
Hobie Cat has a dealer network that helps to support sailors nationwide (Worldwide for that matter). We cannot sell boats and parts direct nor would it be in the end users best interest. Other companies sell direct as they have no dealer network. Simple math makes it difficult for Hobie Cat to compete with a company that will sell factory direct. No Hobie dealers means no new boat sales. No new boat sales means no future for Hobie or Hobie cat racing. Pretty simple concept.
As you can see, you pay more for the Hobie made trampoline for many reasons more than just the class legal issue.
Matt
