Two people on AI 2 ?

Trying to decide between the AI 2, the TI and the Triak (and Windrider too)...

Want to be as light weight as possible and will mostly be single handing. But I Would occasionally like to take my wife or kid along.

Is it reasonable to have a passenger out on the windward trampoline if I decide on an AI 2 ?

I can't comment on Triaks or WR and I've never been in an AI2 but I often had two people on an AIv1 and it handled it OK, so the AI2 with its greater capacity should be fine. Adding haka makes hiking out much easier and more comfortable.
I got rid of my AI's when the TI was released. It does everything well and though it is heavier it is manageable. To me the AI2 with its extra bulk doesn't have the versatility of the original AI, which made for a great kayak when stripped down. It was easy to throw that hull up on roof racks and carry everything else inside the vehicle so a trailer wasn't necessary. With the longer AMA and greater bulk of the AI2 a trailer becomes needed for ease of transport and if I have to trailer then I may as well trailer the TI and get the added benefits it offers. I also enjoy sailing the TI solo much more than the AI.

I would take people out on my 2012 AI all the time. Id recommend a pair of medical spine boards or some type of haka. Ive had 180 lb folks sitting on my spine board without any issues. On the tramps, their bottoms would drag on the water. You just have to be weary of the wind - almost flipped once or twice without paying attention. Calmer days= no issues.

AI-2 tramps are a little higher above the water line and may not drag as much.

Because the TI handles being solo sailed so well, I'd go that route so that it's absolutely no problem to handle two people, but it's still easily manageable by one, unless you're car-topping it.

Triak is the lightest of them but can't take passengers at all. So if you need to take 2 people; cross it off the list. It also is probably the slowest of the three since it only has a 12 foot mast--probably also more prone to capsize since the amas are so small and the boat stance is only 8 ft wide (and you can't move from the cockpit while sailing to counteract heel). While it may sound negative, my Triak is still a really favorite boat of mine due to its quickness to the water (15 minutes or less) AND it is a very dry ride since the sole aka (wing) is behind the pilot and is composite construction rather than rotomolded plastic. I also prefer to paddle and work my upper body than pedal--it also comes with a spinnaker--for me, spinnaker sailing is what separates hobbiests from real sailors--I know, whole classes of Olympic sailing is done without a spinnaker (and now AC boats even); but I remember keel boat racing in my dim sailing past.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

My situation was a bit different then yours, as I wanted to get my whole family out, wife and 2 daughters (7 and 12). I was between the TI and Windrider17. Fortunately, I was able to sail a Windrider at a local lake.

I really like the Windrider, and wouldn't mind owning one. However, it was just way too heavy for my desires and from what I've read, takes a lot longer to rig.

I decided on the TI. So far all of us have been out on it 3 times. We really love it.

Good luck with your decision.

Ai2 w Hakas and/or tramp is reasonable. Mind your gybes.

60-90lbs hiking out seems like an ideal weight to balance the boat. The crew needs to be good swimmers and nimble though. If that does not compute in your situation, opt for the TI.

Unless you balance the TI right, you may be confined to solo sailing from the rear seat. No hiking. That's not my cup of tea.

Either way try the spinnaker!

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The Wind Is Your Friend...