Want to buy a AI, dealer has a TI I can try...

I am looking to buy a 2017 AI, but have never even seen one. The local dealer has a 2016 TI I can try.
Will that give me a good sense of what the AI is about, or are they too different.
How are they different?

(anyone with a AI in the NY Finger Lakes area that would let me try theirs would be great, but that is probably too much to ask for...)

I think they are quite similar sailing, but the TI is much more difficult to handle on dry land.

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

Earlier this month I took delivery of a 2017 Red AI from Austin Kayak. Had never sailed one before purchasing, but I've had plenty of experience on catamarans, lasers and windsurfing. Watched all the YouTube videos to get excited about it.

Took it out today for the third time -- darting back and forth in and around Annapolis Harbor and the mouth of the Chesapeake.

This boat is fantastic. Great fun and unbelievably maneuverable. Very easy to sail.

I bought a 4x8 Harbor Freight trailer and adapted it for the AI. It works flawlessly. I can load and unload by myself very quickly at the public boat ramp. Setup takes about 15-20 mins at the ramp. Not sure I could do the same with a TI.

It's an "active and splashy" boat. Today was 10-12k with gusts. I was plenty wet.
You will love the controls and the main furl system is super. Tacking and gybing (sp?) are both a breeze - no pun intended. The Mirage Drive is really amazing. No strain on the legs. Level of exertion feels like riding a bike on the board walk.

It's not a screaming fast boat. If you want that, get a big cat. It does however provide a cat-like feel (similar to a 14') and it really moves along in the puffs. Today I received a LOT of smiles and waves, and curious onlookers as I slid by the docks and in and out of the moorings.

I came home and bought the spinnaker kit.

Best wishes. Buy one. I doubt you'll be sorry.

Doug