I am thinking about getting a 2011 AI

I have heard some in the past AI that the ama area may break did that ever happen to anyone? Is the new 2011 model better in any changes to wear and tear? I would hate to buy one and have that happen to my AI. Thank you for your feed back.

There are no ama (pontoon) issues that I'm aware of.
The only issue with the pre 11 AI is aka pin wear but I have never heard of an actual failure (apart from a rare welding fault). Some play occurs between the pin and the aka over time but it seems to stabilise and not get worse. There are solutions posted. That said, unless the price difference is significant, I would always choose the latest model of the AI as it would have the latest improvements.

I have a 2011 AI and I have no AKA/AMA issues. The new system is great. I have had passengers on the tramps and I hike out on the aka, without the tramps, in heavy winds ...have yet to have a failure and I doubt that I will.
The akas are hollow and need a good fresh water wash after being in the ocean to keep corrosion down since the connector is pop riveted on.
The longer you wait to get an AI is the less time you have fun.

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I have a 2011 and so far it is flawless. I do find that the Akas can sometimes be hard to pull out of the hole and the twin buttons you push in to release them are difficult, but with more usage seems to be freeing up. Definitely buy the 2011, I also have 2008 there are many improvements.

Thanks guys its on like Donkie Kong!! soon to come offshore Gulf Coast Hobie AI kayak fishing videos soon to come next summer!

Can someone tell me what advantages a 2011 AI has over a 2009 AI?..Pirate

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Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

A new and improved rudder would be the main thing. I think the extra drain plug was added in 2010 also. The seat is changed, I think it's improved, but other's don't think so.

I'd say that new rudder system is the most important upgrade to be looking at.

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Thanks. I just had a look at the new rudder system in the flesh and the new beefed up gudgeon pin system looks good and the blade itself is impressive compared to my model. However the blade seems to need to be clipped down by both its own clip and the bungee cord which both requires getting out of the boat to both fasten and release. I can't quite see how that is an improvement over my 2009 model that has never ridden up in rough conditions and can be safely handled from the cockpit. Am I mistaken?..Pirate

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Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

I've always been quite happy with the performance of the rudder on my 2009 model. I've found that if the boat is unresponsive to the rudder and the rudder is cleated down, it's invariably because the sail is over-trimmed.

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My thoughts entirely Chris. I seem to recall reading however where some rudders caused their crew grief by riding up in heavy weather causing extreme weather helm. That is not the case with mine and obviously not yours either. I don't even have to cleat mine in any conditions out there. It just stays put. I would love to hear other AI owners' experiences.
I do love the new tiller that is oh so much better than on mine. Can the new one be fitted to the 2009 model?.....Pirate

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Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

Now 2011 AI owners have had a chance to use their new boats, can someone comment of the efficiency or otherwise of the new rudder design? Can it be lowered and lifted entirely from the cockpit or does it require getting into the water to engage and release the new catch? ...And Happy New Year everyone....Pirate

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Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

Fishyak - I have just sold my 2009 & Upgraded to the 2011.
You are the second owner I know who has reported difficulty with the new aka connection buttons.
I sailed both my 2009 & 2011 the other day and thought that the new boat was much wetter then the old one. There appeared to 2 reasons for this -
1. The new boat looks to sit lower in the water due to the raised angle of the akas using the new connection.
2. The new mid-ship carry handles spray water everywhere.
Have you noticed these traits too?
Have you experienced any problems raising the new rudder using the control lines?

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

If you find an aka binding, you can rotate it back and move it up and down slightly while releasing it -- it should then come right out.

1. The new boat looks to sit lower in the water due to the raised angle of the akas using the new connection.
2. The new mid-ship carry handles spray water everywhere.
Have you noticed these traits too?
Have you experienced any problems raising the new rudder using the control lines?

Micky,

I also compared my 2011 to the older one and agree it sits lower in water, I have not figured out why, I do notice several minor differences in hull shape.

Have not noticed spray from handles, I have not paid too much attention, but I do love the addition of the handles - much easier to move around.

No problems with rudder control line so far

Mickeymouse, my starboard handle really kicks up water. I noticed the handle was mounted upside down and then flipped it over. Still get a little bit of water.

Pirate, I like being able to lift the rudder from the cockpit but had the rudder pop out when I was offshore. Didn't hit anything it was just too much sail and heavy winds. It was not a pleasant experience so I use the rudder bungee all the time now.

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