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What Im expecting from an AI
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=24956		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  walt [ Thu May 20, 2010 5:25 am ]
Post subject:  What Im expecting from an AI
I just sold my Hobie 16 (to a good buddy who I bought a 14 from) and will still keep my Hobie 14.

Im about to order a new AI. I have never used one, wont have a chance to either - but think I have a fairly good idea what to expect from reading these forums. Are these impression about right??

* I want to always car top (don't want another trailer, already have too many). I think the main kayak portion is about 65 pounds which is pretty heavy to lug around but it comes with a set of wheels (extra cost or comes with the boat??). Ive been putting fairly heavy but less heavy than 65 pound kayaks on a truck rack and its not too bad if you lift one end of the kayak to the rack first and then get the other end - being careful to not let the whole thing fall. Ie, not real easy but not all that bad with some technique. The amas and other hardware would be no problem.

* Im guessing the setup and take down time would be about 20 minutes? One of the reasons I like the Hobie 14 (and got rid of the 16) is because of the setup time. It looks like the AI is fairly simple and fast.

* No boat registration required in most places (Im also on boat registration overload)

* The Mirage drive appears to work fairly well - I don't hear about anyone busting them so must also be pretty durable

* Sailing - hits about 10 mph - which is not bad. I wonder how it does compared to some of the small planning sailing dinghy like a laser?

* If you get caught out in some big wind, it is easy to reef the sail. If you get caught out in some huge wind, you can completely wrap the sail around the mast and just peddle the boat. Seems you could peddle no matter how nasty it got.

* Its a tough boat. I hear about little things like problems with rudder - but never hear about someone busting off an amas or breaking a mast.

* When your in kayak mode with everything on the AI, you probably get some drag compared to a pure kayak - but its not really all that bad??

* you can often peddle and sail at the same time - somewhat like motor sailing..

* you can paddle with the amas on the boat - but its somewhat of a limit stroke because of the metal crossbeams. Sometimes I like to get the upper body work out..

* you get a few years out of a sail - similar to windsurfing sails using the clear Mylar. The UV eventually makes them fall apart.

* You probably could take a passenger with you sitting just behind you. It would not be optimal - but not bad? I would almost always use this single but there is one time I would sort of need to "ferry" a passenger..

FYI, Im 54 I think I would really like the AI!! Probably will order it today.
Author:  Chekika [ Thu May 20, 2010 8:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What Im expecting from an AI
Sounds like you have a very good take on things, Walt. The hull may weigh closer to 75#. It does not come w/ a set of wheels.

Good luck!

Keith
Author:  JollyGreen [ Thu May 20, 2010 9:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What Im expecting from an AI
I would say the AI tops out at 10mph, but much more realistic average speed is around 5-7mph. At least in rolling 3-4 foot waves in about 15-20mph wind in hawaii, that's what you can expect.

I would get the hobie trax 2 with the latest balloon wheels. They work pretty well on sand and would probably be fine for paved as well. They are also stainless steel so less corrosion. I bought some used off brands for $60, they worked ok, but rusted out and needed repair after a year. I then bought the trax2 for $200 and they work great and I get the feeling they will last a long time!

It's a fun boat with little maintenance cost, so far :), and you can launch it from so many more places! It can really rip in the right conditions as well! Oh get some goggles if you like speed and have any sort of swell, it helps you see thru the buckets of water thrown in your face, haha!
Author:  walt [ Thu May 20, 2010 9:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What Im expecting from an AI
Well... too late now, a new AI is on order.

Where I plan to use it:Image Elevenmile res, Colorado

Image Lake Havasu, AZ

Image Lake Powell
Author:  Slaughter [ Thu May 20, 2010 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What Im expecting from an AI
walt wrote:
* you get a few years out of a sail - similar to windsurfing sails using the clear Mylar. The UV eventually makes them fall apart.

* You probably could take a passenger with you sitting just behind you. It would not be optimal - but not bad? I would almost always use this single but there is one time I would sort of need to "ferry" a passenger..

FYI, Im 54 I think I would really like the AI!! Probably will order it today.


Sound like you have done your reseach 'wait'. Hope you are happy with it and we haven't lead you astray.
All your points are pretty good from where I sit. My sail is now 3 years old and still in great condition. Always used in saltwater and never washed and we have plenty of UV down this way.
Also as far as another passenger, you kind of only do it for the novelty factor ie: take the kids for a ride. A kid can sit in the rear without getting too wet but if anyone is thinking of squeezing their 20 stone wife in the rear, I would make sure to get it on film.

I'm 53, and it's the best thing I have ever bought. I love the spot where you intend to use it mate. Looking forward to seing some classic shots in the Photo Comp.

viewtopic.php?f=71&t=19685
Author:  Anakritis [ Mon Jun 14, 2010 5:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What Im expecting from an AI
AI or TI you will love the craft.
Even with all of the "challenges" I have encountered, the boat is quite simply a BLAST!
You will not be disappointed....
Author:  Cowsgomoo [ Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What Im expecting from an AI
That sure is a spectacular place to sail! Hope to see more pics of your AI in action. Looks cold though...
Author:  timo [ Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What Im expecting from an AI
Most of the time I share the sailing with a friend, one of us is in the cockpit and the other on the windward trampoline/aka. When we tack, we swap positions. Together we weigh about 300lb. We think its a blast to sail around like this.

I expect you'll enjoy your new boat. Congratulations!
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