New 2013 Prices - Yikes!!

The argument isn't anti china here at all.  Start of by gettin that straight.
My argument was Pro American jobs.
We have too many folks here unemployed so I do not see the logic in sending any more jobs there, or having any more of our gear being made over there. I already buy enough stuff made in China. Some of it good, some of it crap. Like everywhere else I guess.

 nothing wrong with keeping americans working

it is amazing they can make the yaks in Calif with the rules Calif sets via air and every thing else.  Lots of our jobs are lost because we have decided that a living wage is a lot more than most other countries.  $66k plus benefits to install lug nuts on an assembly line.  Maybe a GED required.  As to price going up, athe dollar is falling in value precipitusly because we are borrowing 40cents of every dollar spend by the federal gov.  Lots of that $95 oil is because the dollar is worth about half what it was 10 years ago.  Look at about everything out there and price is up.  Just came back from Yellowstone trip.  $3.94 diesel most everywhere except here.  $4.27 from Reno west.

Here is my take. Yes prices are going up faster than our salaries.
Yes Hobie makes great products and have great customer service.
They also have no competition on the kayak,sail,pedal market so they can pass on price increases.

One other thing I have noticed is potential buyers who really want a Hobie do not go through "poverty spending" a term I heard on the radio. It means not cutting on spending on hobbies that makes you happy.

My 2 cents.

Anytime we can support local jobs is a good thing! Hobie is always looking to improve their products too. They seem to listen to their customers. Every year there are little changes that make a better product. Let's face it, nothing is getting any cheaper, so why should we expect it with kayaks (especially oil products.) Also, a little thing called supply and demand. Every year I see more Hobies OTW, so what do you expect? When I hear folks capping on "they're not kayaks" etc. I tend to think of them as a "fishing platform" that has more versatility than any other water vessel I own. Now that I've broken into the AI scene and put a little time otw with it. I see the potential for further versatility and capability. Bottom line, if your having fun. Then enjoy it. What ever floats yer boat.......paddle, peddle or sail on boyz!!!!!

Don't buy the premise that oil prices have driven this thing up 150 bucks.

Btw--where is the plastic and fitingsmade? Is it truly US made or assembled in the US?

China lifted 400 million people out poverty and into the middle class, while in the same timeframe we destroyed our middle class to feed the rich. 

The cost of oil impacts so many things that it can easily account for this kind of increase.  Shipping is the biggest.  Raw materials and the shipping hobie pays on them.  Furthermore, when dealing with a commodity like oil, you have to set your prices AHEAD of the market.  It is safe to assume that the price of oil will continue to rise.  Hobie would rather make the increase now rather than have to raise prices half way thru the model year, as that would negatively impact sales.  Imagine you start researching buying a new yak in, say, February... you settle on the one you on interested in, and decide you will buy it in May in time for summer.  In May you go to pull the trigger and it is now $150 more than you planned on.  That is how you turn away a buyer. 

FYI hobie does make boats in china, Europe too!

Glad I saw this. Was looking online at top 10 yaks and well hobie for the most part takes the bread.

Was thinking till that patent is up and another company produces a similar item hobie anglers will be paying well over what they should.

Buy local and help the economy it's what's right. Extra buck or two will keep us all employed. Unemployment should be way lower.

FYI hobie does make boats in china, Europe too!

As far as I know, the rotomolded boats sold here in the US are made in Oceanside, CA.  Check it out my factory tour:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=19887.0

I wouldn't doubt there are some small parts and accessories made overseas.

Still helluva lot cheaper than paying for the cost of owning a PB..

I blame the increase on Chuck and the Leepins...they are hoarding boats. When they were not looking I snapped a picture of their back yards

FYI hobie does make boats in china, Europe too!

As far as I know, the rotomolded boats sold here in the US are made in Oceanside, CA.  Check it out my factory tour:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=19887.0

I wouldn't doubt there are some small parts and accessories made overseas.

Sorry I should have been more specific, yes boats for the us market are made in ocean side. People were talking about hobie and china and I just wanted to add in that hobie does have a china plant. I believe boats for Australia, and NZ are made there. Also there seats, and paddles are made over there. I've Been through the factory in O-side it's pretty awsome. As of a few months ago they were running 2 12 hr shifts on the ovens to keep up with demand and had most of the sail boat lay up room dedicated to PA 12 out fitting and seat assembly. Sorry I didn't elaborate on my original post

Quality and peace of mind is worth more always. We can all cut back somewhere and next thing you know ....... Another hobie!!!!^-^

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I am stoked about  my Outback.  Newbie or not, it is a great platform for fishing for me. I dont need to spend a whole lot more on a pb to access fish anymore! Btdt. It provides exercise, and allows me to get close to the water which is important to me. Don't send this to China, they have more than enough of our Trade already.
My .02

Has the AI always come standard with turbo fins? I've noticed some older ones have only the standard fins....might be part of the cost jump in the AI


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