That's exactly the point. I'm happy that mine is less than 100km away and races the same regattas like me.
However, I'd like to know (on this forum) if there is an issue concerning my boat, regardless if it is new or a few years old. With this help, I can examine my boat accordingly and act before the issue becomes a problem.

Kai

I agree that knowing manufacturing defects is a major plus imo when boat shopping, it lets people know what to look for in a new or used boat. I am also confident that the big 3 builders will handle the issue in the proper manner, and posting on a forum isn't going to hurt individual support.

To this end, I would like to point out that the Wildcat entered in this years Tybee broke an average of 1 daggerboard per day. Hobie is supposed to inspect the broken boards in order to strengthen them etc. No other major issues with the boat to my knowledge. '

Finally, how much real structural analysis (Ansys etc.) is being applied to these boats? AHPC supposedly does a lot, what about the other manufacturers?

I agree about knowing the defects, there was a thread a while back about the bridal tang pulling out of a 5yr old Infusion in Europe and the manufacturer was making the owner pay for the repair.

The Wildcat Dagger problem was in most part due to high speed runs over shallow water from what I heard. I also Agree that the boat, builder, and dealer are all a team. I would feel confident on purchasing ant of the top 3 right now. My problem is the tiller nut always slows me down no matter what boat I'm on.

Be worried if they have a replacement for that, unless you are the crew.

In Europe, under CE Certification regulations, any manufacturer, be it Hobie, Nacra, AHPC or ??? are required to warranty their product for 2 years.

Problems like this should be taken directly to the dealer &/or manufacturer so that it and future issues like it can be rectified quickly.... After all, continual warranty issues will cost the manufacturer much more than it will ever cost any customer!!!

I agree with Matt Miller in that this forum is not the place for such grievances .... but there is no need to hit out at other manufacturers in defending your company

With regard to letting people know of faults... then keep an eye on the manufacturers websites. Any known faults or warnings should be posted here... For example, check out Urgent update for current customers!!

If it was 5 years old, it wasn't an infusion!!!

I expect that the owner went moaning on a forum before approaching the manufacturer, what was in it for the manufacturer after that?

I do not consider my comments "hitting out" at other products or "defending" our company. My comments were in response to the concerned owner of a Wild Cat with an apparent issue. By letting this consumer know that we stand strongly behind our products with our factories and dealer networks here in the US, Europe and Australia as well as other regions in the World. Proof is in the history of quality and support... not the promotion of a product. We are understandably proud of our history and strong growth in an industry that has declined sharply over many years. Our success has been due to a strong sense of commitment to product development, quality, support and diversification of our product range. Its a good thing for our consumers... and yes, we welcome the development of competitive products as good for the industry and the sport.

Matt, I agree with you. Hobie has a fabulous reputation, and you should be proud of its history, growth, and customer support. That is fabulous, however, I believe that your statement



can only be taken as a very big insult to other manufacturers.... and will only lead to a slinging match... (Looks like AHPC have already taken offence according to Brett Goodall's comments)

Stating Hobie's position on customer support is great and I do not think anyone will dispute this. However, there was absolutely no need to refer to other manufacturers in your initial comment... Hobie does have a good dealer network.... FACT... Why compare it to others???

I heard a good explanation of this recently, and its better to ask why they talk down others, instead of talking up their own product. True for any industry.

on that note:
Hobie Cat US is really good about parts as long as its for one of their boats, if you own a HCE boat.......

Hey LF,

Did you get your hull assessed at and dealt with? Let me know if you need anything else.

http://www.f18.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=46

"Nacra introduces a new Nacra in 2006, the Nacra F18 Infusion."

So should the boat be under warranty or not?

Wait is this Catsailor or Sailing anarchy?

You are right... sorry guys. I just got caught up in the moment with those guys, earlier in the thread, slinging mud our way. I took offense to the Nacra guy slammin our build quality and the C2 guy piping up about buying a C2 and their great factory support... this was a thread about a Hobie guy with an issue. Same story here at Catsailor... different day. Everyone likes to jump in.

quote] Everyone likes to jump in. [/quote]

A priviledge that should be reserved for you alone?

Uhhh... its a Hobie thread? Remember way back at the beginning? I think it might be expected for me to jump in. I've got no problem with others doing the same, but being helpful is always better.

Same question.

Just sometimes I wish we had moderators

Why not get some? Oh wait- we have some on the F16 forum but it hasn't seemed to help much ;-o

And now it's official...