Hobie Bimini will not work with I9s

I tried it this weekend and the sail mount isn't deep enough or tight enough to hold the support rod. perhaps a version with stays, or a design change to allow the mast pocket to extend deeper into the floor.

I think there should be a disclaimer for the inflatables, currently the website https://www.hobie.com/accessories/bimini/ says:


The dealer where I purchased them only stocks I11 models, so he didn't know they wouldn't work.

Disappointed.

Allen

Bummer. Sorry about that.



That is the disclaimer... the dealer should know, but guess if they only sell i-series... it made no sense to them.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I'm sorry I wasn't clear, Matt -

The dealer carries the full line of Hobie Mirage and paddle kayaks - but the only inflatable he carries is the I11 - not I9, I12 or I14.

I spoke to my own "normal" dealer this afternoon (the one who has handled my warranty work) and he thinks there should be a modification to the kit to make these work with inflatables - a bushing and bungies that connect the three forward metal d-rings to the support. He suspects there will be enough demand from inflatable owners.

there's a sail kit for the inflatables - why not a kit to make the bimini work?

regards,

Allen

The sail kit uses stays to support the mast up high, so low load. The bimini is short so line loads would have to be high and that is hard on the d rings. I'm sure we will do it if the engineers can find a way.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thank you, Matt - I understand.

Maybe a 6-12" sleeve that fits the bottom of the bimini support and slips into the mast pocket and can bungee to the hook? on that pocket.

I haven't seen a sail mounted on an inflatable, or I don't remember seeing one...

anyway, thanks for being responsive - as always.

Allen

Here's one of me a couple weekends ago

Who makes that sail, if you're willing to share?

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Hobie. I made it better with outdoor fabric paint (which is actually closer to a fabric dye with uv protectant) and stencils

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

who is the poor sail-less inflato captain forced to take your pic?

The wife. She is scared she won't be good at it.

Her sail, I did in a buckeye theme s since she is very much a fan.