What's happening in retail... brief update

Greetings all - since my last in September; signs of the times:

1) popped into my email last night. Jackson authorized factory sale. 25% off ALL remaining 2022 Jackson kayaks Dec 9-31 Those overstocked Knarrs I have at all locations are now officially $3149 nation wide. CCK just might have a non-advertised in-store special on them also. You never know. Call or come in to find out. The Knarr is best compared to a PA 14.

2) New Hobie ownership are in it for the long haul. They have invested over 15 million into the company. Hoo-rah! Headquarters remaining in Oceanside; production modernized at new plant south of the border. Required space and cost sent it south. Speaking of Hobie costs... 

3) ...Hobie MSRPs go up 3.1% to 10.2% January 1st with most increases in the 5-7% range. Color changes; very few model changes. Now's the time to buy if you have some spare change.

and finally

4) Thermoformed Passports are no longer a thing in the US. Passports from here on out will be rotomolded. If your local dealer has leftover thermoform Passports (we have 5 12.0s) ask for a discount; you'll likely get one. I'm marking ours down tomorrow.

Have a great and safe holiday season.

Cheers - Keith

So interesting didnt know Hobie was acquired, n just googld it.

https://paddlingmag.com/stories/news-events/hobie-sold-to-investment-group/

Any inside scoop on deal valuation?

I’m waiting for a Tesla branded kayak…

So interesting didnt know Hobie was acquired,…

That they quit making the Adventure Island was a real bummer…

To what extent is Hobie offshoring production -- any remaining in the US? Glad to see a private equity firm passing on savings to customers (hah!).

In more uplifting news, Swell Watercraft is investing in US production capabilities by building a factory in Iowa. Particularly exciting to me is indication that they'll be introducing a 16' version of their Scupper in 2023. I've yet to see the design, but if it's anything like the Scupper 14 I'm sure it'll be plenty sexy.

So interesting didnt know Hobie was acquired,…

That they quit making the Adventure Island was a real bummer…

+1  The Revo 16 (Adventure) is the best ocean kayak in my opinion.

So interesting didnt know Hobie was acquired,…

That they quit making the Adventure Island was a real bummer…

+1  The Revo 16 (Adventure) is the best ocean kayak in my opinion.

Interesting, based on camparos with which other crafts, specifically?

There is not much comparable to it. Sure there are other long lean paddle kayaks, but no other peddle kayak with that length/width configuration. The Revo is hands down the fastest non sail yak out there. I love my 2012, but wish I had waited for the 2013 with the Lawrence ducer mount and new seat.  My opinion anyway

The Revo is hands down the fastest non sail yak out there. I love my 2012, but wish I had waited for the 2013 with the Lawrence ducer mount and new seat.  My opinion anyway

I dunno know....... A Stealth 575 might be faster. Especially with an experienced paddler. A 525 is pretty dang fast and a 575 is faster. But I don't have experience with a Revo 16. My 525 is definitely faster than my Revo 13. Just my opinion too

Stoked on a Swell Scupper 16 though. Should be an awesome boat

The Revo is hands down the fastest non sail yak out there. I love my 2012, but wish I had waited for the 2013 with the Lawrence ducer mount and new seat.  My opinion anyway

I dunno know....... A Stealth 575 might be faster. Especially with an experienced paddler. A 525 is pretty dang fast and a 575 is faster. But I don't have experience with a Revo 16. My 525 is definitely faster than my Revo 13. Just my opinion too

I get dusted by a 575 all the time at ML in my revo 16

The only way to make a fair test for an individual between a pedal and paddle yak is for the same person to use each vessel in a time trial. Too much difference in individuals and their abilities on different yaks to make a good comparison in speed difference. Long slim paddle yaks in following seas have a glide that pedal craft do not have. Bucking into strong wind pedals have the edge in that they push water almost continually and encounter no wind resistance to a paddle. Long distance sea races are almost always won by surf skis. Scuppers and drive holes have water resistance where as the slick bottom of a glass kayak has much less.

Greetings all - since my last in September; signs of the times:

2) New Hobie ownership are in it for the long haul. They have invested over 15 million into the company. Hoo-rah! Headquarters remaining in Oceanside; production modernized at new plant south of the border. Required space and cost sent it south. Speaking of Hobie costs... 


4) Thermoformed Passports are no longer a thing in the US. Passports from here on out will be rotomolded. If your local dealer has leftover thermoform Passports (we have 5 12.0s) ask for a discount; you'll likely get one. I'm marking ours down tomorrow.

Have a great and safe holiday season.

Cheers - Keith

wow, thanks for the update!  happy to see Hobie HQ stay in Oceanside, bummer about product moving south though.  I hope they can keep some of the manufacturing jobs in Cal...those are good jobs, and CA needs them

checked the passports on your website...dang, that's a tempting price.

There is not much comparable to it. Sure there are other long lean paddle kayaks, but no other peddle kayak with that length/width configuration. The Revo is hands down the fastest non sail yak out there. I love my 2012, but wish I had waited for the 2013 with the Lawrence ducer mount and new seat.  My opinion anyway

I’m not of the opinion that “ fastest” equals “best” ocean kayak - I don’t have any experience fishing off a 16’ Hobie or a Stealth, so I cannot comment on that. If “best ocean kayak” is judged on speed, fishability, ease of rigging, stability and catch stowage, there may be additional models to consider. Revo vs Wildy vs Scupper vs Stealth, etc. Interested to hear from folks who have experienced multiples.

Screw talking about it, lets RACE