Adventure 2011 conversion into AI

Hi, can you help?

I am thinking of buying the 2011 Adventure but want to turn it into an AI when I can afford.

Some questions:

1. Is this possible? Does the Adventure have the facility to receive the AI mast? From what I can see on the catalogue the Adventure seems not to have the same size diameter hole to receive the sail?

2. How much can I expect to pay on an AI sailing kit?

3. How much just for the AI sail?

thanks,

Jim

1. Is this possible? Does the Adventure have the facility to receive the AI mast? From what I can see on the catalogue the Adventure seems not to have the same size diameter hole to receive the sail?
Yes, but you need cut the larger hole for the larger mast. Mast Hole Saw and Install Tools is $25US.
It's a project! Very few on this forum have done it. I've dissembled and reinstalled every part of an AI, but haven't chosen to do the upgrade myself.

2. How much can I expect to pay on an AI sailing kit?
In the Fall 2011 catalog the Island Conversion Kit is $1749US

3. How much just for the AI sail?
In the Fall 2011 catalog the Sail alone is $571, but you'll also need the mast, 2 battens, 2 batten caps, as well as sheet line, multiple special pulleys, cleats and much small stuff. Also the sail also relies in the front aka xbar to operate and the mast cup and internal brace hardware. Unless you had lots of spare parts already, collecting the parts yourself is not the way to go.

Cheapest and best is to just buy an AI. Second best is upgrading with the Island Conversion Kit, but it will most likely cost you a few more dollars in the end, and some time and aggravation.

Good luck whatever you decide.

_________________

Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Jim,
I was recently making the same decisions as you, except I already had the Adventure. The best bet by far is to buy the AI from the start, although the initial $ is more, adding the conversion kit later is $$, and you can start enjoying the kayak fully right away!

If you went with the conversion kit, you will not get the 'newer rudder upgrade', it is available from Hobie at extra cost, but you would also need to install the larger gudgeon, also available from Hobie. These can only be used on the '11 and newer hulls. The conversion kit has the V1 aka bars. I'm not sure about the warranty on the conversion kit. imo, It doesn't look too difficult to install, other than making sure you're careful cutting the larger mast hole.

The '11 AI will include the 'newer rudder', very noticeable response improvement compared to the large sailing rudder, V2 aka bars, which I found very easy to assemble compared to the V1 aka bars, ST Turbo fins which are necessary, plus you'd know everything is rigged and setup properly and warrantied.

I just p/up a 'new' left over '11 AI, sold my Adventure, and couldn't be happier! Took it out today, brisk wind 15+knts, very exciting ride! The authority of the 'rudder upgrade' is great! I'm curious to see and feel the difference using this rudder compared to the way the large sailing rudder worked while in non-sailing mode. I'm sure the turning radius and control will be much improved.

Good luck with your decision. The folks posting on these forums are a wealth of knowledge that helped me in my decision. BTW, if I did not sell my Adventure, I would have done the conversion and installed the rudder upgrade. In hind site, I wish I bought the AI from the start!

_________________
Bob
Proud member Kayak Fishing Association of New York

Thanks all for the advice,

Sounds like the best would be the AI right from the start! May have to decide to hold off and accumulate the necessary funds... using the Revo at the moment for fishing (no sail) and while very happy with this, still thinking it would open up the field of where I fish with the AI.

Jim Perth, Western Australia.

Jim, I don't know if you've seen it, but if not, check out Yakass' site to wet your appetite for fishing from the AI. :
http://yakass.net/

_________________

Yes! Yakass site great source of info... thanks!