RIP, Hobie Alter!

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/01/sports/hobie-alter-surfboard-and-sailboat-innovator-dies-at-80.html?_r=0

Sail on, Mr. Alter! I still remember the sail number of my old Hobie 16 - 39887. I miss that little hotrod - like a waterborne Lotus 7.

RIP. I'm going to pick up my dad's old hobie 16 in a few weeks. I'll pour one out on the water for him.

Guy was truly a legend. Major impacts on surfing and sailing. I was out Sunday on my Hobie 16 and conditions were perfect, sailing single handed, on trap, flying a hull. My ode to Hobie!

On a side note, anyone have pictures of the 60' catamaran he built? I've never seen it.

I did not know of a 60 ft'er and the googles was no help.
He did make the Hobie 33, a monohaul. I have had my ass kicked more than once by these quick boats.
This one was local to me:

When these were new, back in the '80's, they did a crash video which shows the boat being run aground and dropped from 12 ft.
You may recognize the announcer as Warren Miller of the ski movies.

Yeah I've seen those 33s. There is a really nice one for sale locally. The 60' Cat I was talking about is diesel inboard. I've seen it referred to as a 50' too. Seen concept pics, but no actuals.

Google did bring up this sweet image. How cool would that be?

The Alter family lives a few houses down the street from my uncle. They are nice people, they have my condolence. As soon as the ice melts I plan to sail my Hobie 16.

I recently picked up a Hobie Revo 13 Kayak, and absolutely love it! The Mirage drive pedal system is like magic--- allows you to really haul ass while keeping your hands free. R.I.P. Mr. Alter--- and thanks!

Oh man! Sweet!

JohnRW1621 wrote: Google did bring up this sweet image. How cool would that be?