Using a Tandem Island alone

I believe ChrisJ sees it right. The AI has proven to be a wonderful all-rounder with its simplicity and lightness being its true strength. Compromises those features you just have a not so convenient, not so comfortable, not so fast yacht that requires trailering down to the water just like any other yacht. If I need to do that then I would search around for a faster and more comfortable yacht in which to take my companion out in. The back to back seat concept has worked for some AI owners and the tramps allow for a crew to be on-board which is a good compromise for those who mainly sail or kayak alone....Pirate

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Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

On the other hand, the TI looks built even more heavy-duty all around, for when conditions turn marginal. If it handles anywhere near as well solo as an AI, quite a rescue boat it will be for our outings.

Before I bought my first AI's, my favorite boat for over 10 years was my Hobie Odyssey which I used solo. I carried all the emergency gear for our trips, and could pickup anyone in distress by just moving back one seat (from the center to the back), so they could hop in and rest or be brought back to their boat. I spent a few years running whitewater rivers with it, before moving to Maui to enjoy our year round playing on the ocean.

Gotta love versatility!

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Won't the TI be faster than the AI when solo-sailed? It appears that the TI's amas displacements have grown larger than the increase in sail area so the TI will resist heeling more, (especially since it has been designed to handle a jib). The hull is longer with a higher max speed. With a larger hull displacement, the hull may ride higher. I also expect that
sitting in the aft seat, and with the amas much farther forward, the bow should ride over waves better.

As for transport, I usually launch/recover from boat landings...so I use a trailer for my
AI, which I obviously plan to use with the new TI. For those times, I have to drag it
over a beach, I will use my Hobie Kart, but plan on having a crew to help haul.
The TI has so many things going for it that I am willing to settle for a compromise over the AI.

The TI is definitely faster than the AI when they are both sailed solo. With no wind, it also keeps up with the AI when pedaled solo. Roadrunner will have a much more in depth review than I do, but I was impressed.

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Brendan Castile

Thanks for the heads up Bcastile!
At last the review we've all been waiting for! Looking forward to it.
The clips in the Everglades Challenge seemed to show the TI reaching speeds faster than the AI and fully loaded as well!