can a heavy weight solo the TI?

geared up, I'm about 300#. I assume I could solo from the front seat as it's well centered. would it also be possible to solo from the rear seat at that weight?

thanks

I am not sure about going solo in the back seat, but I am interested on how well the TI handles 300lbs. I have a friend at around the 300# range and I would like to take him out on my TI sometime. If possible let me know, overall, the handling of the TI in either seat.

I am right under 300 and sail from the back seat. Helps if you have gear to load up front to balance. WHen I am by myself with mininum gear and light wind I go in the front. I like the back better otherwise. Boat sails well. WIth full expedition load for EC and water I have total gear weight right about 100 lbs

Grimlaf:
When I sail solo on my TI I typically ride in the front, I'm a little over 200#, the bow seems to ride too high if i'm in the back and gets blown around (especially with tramps), I was out with my son in the back (~270#) and my grandson (~40 lbs). My son complained about having to sit in water all the time and getting very wet. This was over Xmas and the water was very cold (~60f). When I took my daughter out the following weekend I had some KayakBobs spray skirts mounted on the back (they fit either the front or back of the boat) and she stayed much dryer. However my wife still will not go out with me until the gulf is over 80f (she is native Floridian), I'm Canadian and 60f is like summertime to me. Basically both your butts will be wet, the seats are actually under the waterline with that much weight, but the boat still performs fine, as long as you don't mind a wet butt. I've heard the AI is the same way (wet butt) all the time.
Actually my wife and I are Scuba divers and we take the TI out with full dive gear, spare tanks, weights, etc sometimes 4 or 5 miles out to open sea dive locations in the Keys, and dive from the TI (we built a dive ladder to help get out of the water). We might be overweight a little when we do that, we pack coolers, beer, food, umbrellas, motor, gas, anchor (can't use anchor on coral reefs though), etc. Can't drink the beer until after diving though. We have also been out several times with 3 adults, my wifes sister rides on the tramps. When we go out to Egmont key, I tow several kayaks (our revolution and two inflatables) out to the island (couple miles out), where we spend the day, we call it party barge.
Hope this helps
Bob

Riding solo I like the back. I keep 5 gallon collapsible water jugs that I fill up and keep in the front compartment for when I sail solo. IMO, it helps keep the bow down and makes for a smoother ride.

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I'd rather be sailing,
Mark.

I ride in the back alone all the time. I have not noticed any problems with the nose of the boat coming too far out of the water. I do get hit in the head with the main sheet every time I tack/jibe, but I feel like I stay a bit dryer.

IMO, the ballast in front helps the bow from raising up and slamming down in heavy chop and the extra weight helps cut through the waves which in turn helps maintain speed in rough conditions.

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I'd rather be sailing,
Mark.

I'm 275# and primarily solo from the back seat, although I occasionally sit in front also. No problems in either position, but I prefer the back. In heavy chop the bow will slap a little while in the back position, but its better than getting soaking wet in the front.

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Mike K