Did Hobie Sr. know everything about the proper relationships between the speed and hull length ratios and the prismatic coefficient when the first Hobie 14 was built? (I really don't know the answer to that but I suspect it's "no" ).
It is a publicly known fact that he did not know any of those things and had to re-make parts of the boat many times before it could sail. This explains why the Hobie remains a poor design from many points of view. Its success was based on other marketing qualities.
But don't get me wrong, I like to play with shapes, ideas and new concepts and there is nothing wrong with trial and error. It's just that not all people have the resources, patience and risk apetite to build things (boats) using this method. It may be funny, pleasant or even poetic - but it is not safe or efficient.
Cheers,
