Which kayak should I get? Outfitter or TI

Thanks again for the replies.

I will rent the Outfitter just for fun at a later date.

When I rented the Oasis Lisa was amazed at how easy it was to pedal. She really enjoyed it.

After reading every post on this forum about the TI and AI. The TI looks like the best kayak for me to get. The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show will be the last week of October. I will check for any changes for 2011. I will order my TI this fall. A fast yellow TI.

We love summer camping out of Flamingo. With the sail, the TI looks like it will let us cover more water in a day and get to the camp sites faster. Leaving more time to fish.

Thanks aagain. You all have helped me make my mind up.

Mike

Mike,

Be sure to sign up on the "Florida AI/TI Owners" list, either before or after you get your TI. After going 3 yrs being the only one in S FL on the forum to admit to owning an AI, there are now at least 4-5 other persons in the area (4 up in N Miami to Palm Beach). Most of them have indicated an interest in AI/TI camping this upcoming year. Hopefully, some of them will "stick." There are others on the west coast (of FL) and in the center of the state that might join us for some Everglades coastal camping. I'm also planning to do the 100-mile Florida Paddling Trail in the Big Bend area this year--doing it in my AI along w/ my wife. It will be interesting.

The link to the list is http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=8187 The "list' is where planned trips will be posted.

Keith

_________________
2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

Thanks Kieth,

I will sign up for the Florida AI/TI Owners list. I don't mind winter camping as long as I can stay dry and warm. The Gulf in South Florida can get down to 60*F. The Atlantic will stay in the 70s. I don't have the money for both the TI and two good quality dry suits at this time (just got two bicycles for Hobie training). The dry suits will have to wait. If we can stay dry and warm with some good rain gear then you can count me in.

I will order my TI in November. My dealer said it will take one month for me to get it.

My garage is 20' x 20 feet. The kayak is 18.6' so will fit in the garage. Next week I will begin to build my TI rack. I have several ideas.

Mike

Sounds good, Mike.

Nobody I know sailing or kayaking in S FL uses a dry suit. We were out early last Jan in air temps of upper 40s (Farenheit)--that was cold on my feet (it is an age problem and using neoprene dive booties), but that was about it. It did kill a lot of fish, since the water temps were in the 50s. On that Jan trip, we did carry a dry bag full of "apres' sail" clothes--it worked fine. It is great camping in the "winter" in Florida. You do need quick dry--everything. No cotton. In Alaska and similar places, we say "cotton kills." And, it does.

My garage is full of kayaks: 2 19' sea kayaks, 1 20' surf ski, and 2 AIs. The sea kayaks/surf ski are on a 3-tier stacked rack. The 2 AI hulls are stored on their sides (rails). For each, I use 2 simple camp stools like sold by Campmor and Rei (http://www.rei.com/product/744930)

Keith

_________________
2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

Sealskinz socks will save your cold tootsies, well worth the expense.

I have SealSkinz socks, and I was using them. The main problem is cold wind evaporating water off the neoprene booties. At the time, I anticipated the problem, pulled out a couple small garbage bags, and put them over the booties. While this is an inconvenient solution, it worked on the 2 coldest days. If the SealSkinz socks would pull OVER the booties, they would have worked too. Most people do not appreciate that cold wind and exposed wet neoprene are a bad combination.

Keith

_________________
2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

I know what you mean, as a diver my biggest hate is the boat trip after a dive, wind chill through the wet neoprene is a sod.

Maybe something like this would help;
edit, fixed url; http://www.thefind.com/apparel/browse-louis-garneau-windtex-shoe-cover
The open bottom will let them drain, while the cover protects from the wind ?

or these, a lot cheaper but won't drain

Elm, those Hazmat boot covers with a knit fitting at the top ($4.75 on Amazon) may be the way to go on cold days w/ neoprene booties.

Keith

_________________
2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

Sorry didn't realize one link was broken, could not get pic up so have given a URL instead.

Yes the hazmat booties would be light enough + shed the wind (yellow to, match the AI ), trouble is that they would fill if you stepped or hung your feet in the water, the others shown are expensive but with what appears to be an open bottom would drain, not holding water has to be a plus. For the price, you could try punching some holes in the bottom of the hazmat style so they drain, no great loss if it does not work.