But Alter’s design — the Hobie Cat 14, a small catamaran sailboat that became known as “the people’s boat” — changed the world of sailing when it was unveiled 50 years ago.

Hobie Cat Corporation began to produce small sailboats during the 1960s eventually evolving to kayaks and personal fishing craft. Hobie Cat Corporation sailboat and kayaks are popularized through ...

More on Hobie Cats A Hobie Cat is a twin-hull sailboat with fabric connecting the hulls. It was invented by Hobie Alter of Dana Point, Calif. The lightweight, fast, catamaran-type boats come in ...

The 18-foot Hobie Cat sailboat perched in the parking lot of Dana Point’s Best Western Marina Inn helps amplify the hotel’s nautical theme, managers there say. But county officials contend ...

SAWYER, MI -- Four passengers in a 16-foot Hobie Cat sailboat were rescued by coastguard crew members when their boat capsized in Lake Michigan. The call came in just after 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 4 ...

PALM DESERT, Calif. — Hobart Alter, whose development of the foam surfboard and the “Hobie Cat” sailboat brought masses to the water, has died. He was 80.

1998 Hobie Cat Corporation HOBIE SX-18 Standard Equipment, Boat Value, Boat Price & Craft Specs | J.D. PowerMore freedom: You’re covered on all lakes, rivers and oceans within 75 miles of the coast.

Phillip Bonn/Courtesy of Hobie Cat Fleet 204 The Madcatter Regatta, sponsored by Hobie Cat Fleet 204, will sprinkle Oneida Lake with the colorful sailboats Saturday and Sunday. Brewerton, NY ...

A Hobie Cat is a small catamaran (or two-hulled) sailboat. The school's web site describes the Hobie Cat as "Very fast, yet stable; this boat promises a wet and wild ride when the breeze picks up." ...

The Hobie Cat sailboat capsized at 3 p.m. Thursday about a mile off Sunny Beach in Galveston. The man and his son went into the water. Both were wearing life jackets, Coast Guard officials said.

Hobart "Hobie" Alter, who helped popularize surfing and sailing with the development of the foam surfboard and the "Hobie Cat" sailboat, died Saturday at his Palm Desert, Calif., home. He was 80.