1st trip - Some Qs.

First trip out, but due to tides has to choose a less than ideal tide and a fair current still running so opted to first try the Adventure on its own.

Glad I did as I can see I wasn't ready to sail as I get used to the new kayak. I am amazed by its speed! The pedal drive thing to anyone who hasn't tried it is a novelty. As I got into the main current I found the drive system more effective than paddling. I also like the ability to pedal hard and then transfer to paddle to rest legs and hold position before going back to leg work. It was however only when I got back home and read the manual I see you can change the position of the drive system for longer legs!!

When do people drop the drive in? I paddle out in to deeper water before I dropped it in. Also on way back in I stopped and removed it before getting into the shallows. With the strap I see you can lock them in a position where they hug the hull. Do people land with them in this position. How practical is it to fit and remove on the beach. I can imagine this would be a useful option when conditions are tricky.

I've still got to get my head around the broken rudder pin thing I read about. I best do this quickly before I'm caught out! Any insight into what pin people are refering to.

Sadly weather (snow / ice) , short days and long work hours slowing things down. This is going to be a blast next spring.

Pav congradulations on your new Ai you're going to love it. Re your questions - 1. I install the mirage drive when around knee deep water level, same with the centerboard and rudder.
2.The rudder pin is a sacrificial pin connecting the rudder housing to the rudder gudgions attached to the backend of the boat. If you don't wrestle the rudder control you will probably not have to worry about the pin. When you meet up with other AI sailors or a Hobie dealer ask them, it's easier to show than tell. Seems like you don't read instructions anyway

Pav--put the fins in at about knee deep as davew said. Hop in the boat, pedal away from shore, & put the rudder down. Put the dagger down when it is deep enough.

You can put the fins up against the hull and land, HOWEVER, you can't move the boat without danger of damaging the fins/mast. Therefore, I always remove the fins in deeper water and paddle or drift into shore. Of course, you will have taken the dagger out first in deeper water.

Regarding the AI pin--Hobie has apparently strengthened the AI pin, so breakage is less common. Still the pin on the AI will break with extended use. My policy is to replace the pin once a year.

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

When launching from a soft sandy beach or a boat launch (using a scupper cart) I put the pedals in when taking off the truck, or soon afterword (before assembling and adding gear). You just need to remember not to slide the hull on the sand without first lifting it to clear the fins.

Launching this way allows me to pedal as soon as it's deep enough, which often is a few feet from shore, even before it's deep enough to lower the rudder. That way I have the fin power to push through any shore break.

On landing, I do the opposite. I always remove the pedals outside of the shore break area, and paddle in. You can't steer when on a wave with the rudder raised up out of the water anyhow. Plus, after replacing Mirage fins and masts a few times, you (I) finally get the idea that paddling in is much cheaper!

Congrats on your new boat and welcome.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006