Is a 2007 AI worthwhile?

I have been toying about buying an AI for a few months now. Planned on new, since used are really rare. But I am reluctant to pay that much when I have a perfectly good little sailboat already. (I am thinking though that the AI is easier to furrow if the wind picks up, and easier to get home if the wind dies)

There is a 2007 near me now. The guy wants 40% of a new 2017, which is absurd, but I expect his price will come down as winter nears. He doesn't have any pictures "because his computer broke", which is a very bad sign, but he isn't all that far away to look at it.

But, I have read that the AI has been radically improved over the years, and that makes me wonder if a 2007 is even worth having, or if I should just bite the bullet and get a 2017. (or 18 next year...)

Thanks

I was in a similar situation. Saw several early generation AIs on Craigslist.

After reading reviews on the new/current generation and watching all the videos, I took the plunge and bought the 2017 model.
I'm glad I did. Biggest differences:

- Sail is much improved, larger, more efficient
- better akas, more forward buoyancy
- the new seat is a vast improvement

One person's opinion...

I had a nice "Paddle Boat" Twin SeaCycle and 2 different Sailboats (Sunfish and Force 5) and thought the same thing.

We looked at the TI last year then learned about the Mirage 180 and really wanted that feature (available starting in 2017).

I bought the Force 5 this spring, thinking it would be a little more exciting than a TI but not quite as exciting as a Hobie Cat 16 (and a lot less money than a new TI).
Big mistake. Man, that Force 5 is NOT FUN in down wind at all (similar to a Laser). It's just nuts. Rolled it 4 times, in a modest wind (15-20mph)

Then we took the TI out for a demo. My wife and I were both immediately hooked.

It is so nice to not mess with the sail on shore (and we really have an excellent setup for getting in and out).
The mast and sail are as light as a feather.

Just pedal out and pop the sail out, roll it up and pedal in.

The feeling of sailing this thing is very different from any Dingy sailor or day sailor.

We sailed more in 2 days than we have in 2 years.

We got so many comments on the boat "That looks so cool, what the heck is that, WTF".

I think the name "Island" is very appropriate. It's like a moving Island where ever you go.

I'd skip the 2007, I'd go for 2015+ or new.

There were a few used around us but we really wanted the Mirage 180 (2017), and many folks wanted insane prices.

We bought a Demo that was out like 3 times (and hour each time). Got 15% off list price which is cheaper than many folks were looking for used a few years old.
Might have bought new, if they had any, but they were sold out for the season except the demo. They only buy one batch a season during late winter.

We sold both the SeaCycle (which we loved) and the Force 5 before we received the TI demo (had to wait until end of season to pick up).
We were both nervous because we were not sure how the dogs would do on it, how fast for how much effort it was compared to SeaCycle etc.

No regrets. Good riddance to Dingy Sailboats, especially that Force 5.

Dogs approve !! We just need to teach them to them to come about and hop to the other tramp rather than sleep.

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2017 Tandem Island in Red. Lake sailing/kayaking in NH only.

NO, definitely not for that price. There are a lot of issues with those older Hobies that have been dealt with and updated upon over the years. Big one, is that the mirage well is prone to crack on pre-2009's. Also this model has the older twist and stow rudder. The crossbars have been improved upon on the akas. I could go on.
But, everything has a worth while price. If it's mint and no leaks, cracks, etc. Worth about 1K, give or take on extras like cart. If you look carefully from now until January, you can find great deals on newer models with willing sellers that even ship. I've seen brand new 2014's go for 3K last year, full warranty.

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Mark
Tandem Island- 2013
2 - Sports - 2014