How many are upgrading from AI to TI?

My bride to be (ten days from now) and I own a Mirage Revolution and love it. (Ok so it's hers now, but apparently what's hers is mine in ten days... or something like that) We're considering moving up to an Adventure Island (she likes the mirage drive for "paddling", I'd like to sail, and already own a decent paddling kayak). We're thinking of searching for a used AI and were wondering a few things:

1) Are there any features that came in over its evolution that we should look for? (we like the two T handle rudder controls on her Revolution)

2) How many of you are thinking of upgrading to a TI from an AI. Should we expect there to be a good number of used AI's or are most of you in the wait and see mode?

3) What are common problem areas to a used AI that we should know to look for? Areas of abuse, or wear, that we should be aware of?

We're of the opinion that we could put a sail on the Revo, and try that, or we could find a good deal on a used AI, and REALLY meet both of our needs. I'm assuming that sailing an AI is much more exciting then sailing a Revo with the sail package.

Any comments at all would be greatly appreciated!

I'm ADDING a TI to my growing AI collection, but my boats aren't going on the market. The more the merrier (as long as I can afford to keep them up)

Sailing the Revo would be fun and pretty cheap since you already have the boat. The AI should sail 1 1/2 to 2x faster than the Revo, but whether that's good or bad depends on you.

Newer AI features? The up/down pulls are pretty well a must, but was a free upgrade from Hobie if missing. I really like the click-n-go Mirage drive hardware, but not all do.

Problem areas? Hulls with cracks, or abused boats, but a water trial would show much of that, and everything on the hull is replaceable if you get the used one at the right price.

Good luck on your quest.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

I haven't seen a TI so take this for what its worth. As of now I have two issues with the TI (1) if you sail with a companion how much fun is it to sit one behind the other for talk and sociality? In the AI, you can sail with a companion next to you on your trampoline. I suppose you can do that with the TI as well but then why get a TI? (2) The TI is bigger than the AI and for me car topping is a principal attraction of the AI. If you are trailering of course no difference. So I would say (for now) if you have a trailer and don't care to see your companion, TI wins hands down.

We have two Outfitters and plan on replacing one with a TI. But I think we'll wait until Spring '11 after the TI has had serious consumer use. Though we did buy the Outfitters as soon as they became available. Hmmm.

Peter

I'll be selling one AI and adding a TI with tramps and hopefully the new tramp will not catch the wind as readily as the existing tramps do! The TI has 600lb capacity and that means maybe 3 people or 4 if they're light.

TI tramps are the same materials and design as the AI version. Only slightly different length for / aft.

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

Matt,
I have Hobie tramps on my AI...at the boat show I looked at the fore-aft
distance between the akas on the TI. (It was the one measurement I forgot
to take!) To my eyes, it didn't look like it was significantly longer than on the AI.
Could the tramp straps on the AI be slid out for a longer reach so they
could be used on the TI?

I was planning on switching the tramps back and forth between my AI and my new TI.
If I have to, I will buy new tramps for the TI, but would rather not have the extra expense.

I own a tandem Outfitter w/sail kit and we have really enjoyed it.
I have the TI on order and look forward to the step up.
Still have not decided on a trailer though.

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I'd rather be sailing,
Mark.

Tough question they are both very fun, flexible boats.

You would be amazed how much wind a Revo can handle with the Sidekicks, and preparing a Revo for launch is very quick.



Maybe get the Revo first and then introduce the notion of having a TI as well so there is a solo-boat available on the days when you go alone?

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Fair Skies, Max.

My wife is interested enough in the TI to have given me the green light back in Dec 09.
Only trouble is she wants me to sell my AI to help fund it.
I'm not keen on that idea at all - it would mean anytime I fancied taking it out and she didn't, I would have no choice but the TI.
That would be like having to ride a tandem pushbike solo a lot/most of the time.
Been there - done that

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Mickey
2016 AI Hibiscus
purchased NEW Nov 2021 - My 5th
Adventure Island Sailing since 2008

Mickeymouse:

From a performance standpoint I don't think soloing the TI would be worse than the AI, probably the opposite since even though it is heavier and somewhat wider then the AI it has 50 percent more sail area to compensate. Moreover, the longer hull and significantly longer amas might even give it a lower water resistance at higher speeds. I haven't personally sailed an AI but it seems reasonable that its short amas, and hence high wave drag, puts a limit on its speed potential.

The major problem with soloing the TI seems to be how it will be trimmed with only one person onboard. It should at least be easier to trim than the Oasis since it's longer and you're sitting somewhat farther from the stern. The dual steering controls also makes it possible to sit in the front seat and that might actually work with only a small amount of ballast in the rear, or even none at all, since the seat is actually just slightly forward of the boats midpoint lengthwise. The hull seems to be more buoyant in the rear though, but that might be somewhat compensated for by the forward location of the amas.

All this is just speculation of course, I hope Hobie will provide Roadrunner with a TI soon so we can get a comprehensive review.

I have a 09 Revolution & have been sailing it & having great fun. (I had a 07 Revo & it was replaced under warranty) I was looking forward to the TI. I think it will be a great boat.
I have since thought about not being able to have a conversation when you sit behind the other.
In 07 we took a demo ride in a Mirage Oasis. Couldn't hear the other so we bought a Sport & Revo.
So maybe I can pick up a used AI. Besides, the lake that is closest isn't that big for the TI.
If I was close to big water then the TI would make more sense.
Something for one to consider.

Bruce

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Everything before 60 is just a rehearsal!

Mickey,

Other than handling it on land, I think the TI will out sail the AI and handle just as well on the water. Once on land, then the 50% heaver hull and longer lengths of everything could offset the gains on the water. Try talking the wife into keeping the AI, at least until you get a few tandem AND solo sails in the TI to decide.

A great detailed Roadrunner review of the TI would help a lot towards answering many of our questions. (hint, hint!)

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

I am also contemplating whether to get a tandem. Occasionally, I go out with as many as 3 of my kids at once with the AI and the tramps. But, as much as I love going out with my kids, I also love going out alone.

I am leaning towards biting the bullet and just getting it. Then I need to figure out how to put it on my roof rack!

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jzk

Hobie Adventure Island.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTIq7IhU84Y[/youtube]

There are two "tandem pedal assisted sailing kayaks" being sailed in the WaterTribe Everglades Challenge--300 mile adventure/endurance race. They are both being sailed solo. One of these boats is described as a Hobie tandem AI. Assuming they are both tandem AIs, Hobie is endorsing sailing these boats solo in challenging conditions.

One of those entries will also participate in the Ultimate Florida Challenge, which is a continuation of the EC but circumnaviates the State of Florida.

The race(s) starts Saturday, Mar 6, at 7 am. The start of the race is considered one of the "filters" along the way. At the start, your loaded boat must be above the high tide line, and you alone (if solo) must launch it--this controls the size of sailing boats in the race. Everything used at the start of the race (like rollers) must be carried with you for the duration of the race. It is an interesting format. The winners of the various EC classes finish the race in about 3 days.

Keith

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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