In my experience, the Shark is a much better performer than Hobie Alter’s 16 foot boat that was so popular, but you are correct that Hobie did dominate the market. I would argue that it wasn’t because of performance though.

The Shark is faster because the hull has much less rocker, daggerboards improved pointing and reduces leeway. Tacking around one daggerboard is much easier than getting a Hobie around. I think it is less likely to pitchpole too, but I’m not certain about that. Then there is the little detail that it is 20’ rather than 16’. I think that Hobie did produce a 20’ to compete but I have not seen many of them, not nearly as popular as the 16.

I remember the setup being quite easy and the folding design makes trailering and storing simpler.