Maybe a stupid question but ...

As a newbie about to order his first TI I have a a question that I have been unable to find an answer to when searching the forum. Because I can't find any mention of "hot tramps" this may be a stupid question but ...

Do the black tramps ever retain enough heat in the sun that they become too hot to sit on? I plan on using the TI as a stationary platform at times while swimming in lake coves. If so I'm wondering about getting the grey ones if this is true. If so I would then order a Dune with grey tramps instead of Papaya with black tramps as that seems like the logical color combo. Besides my wife seems to have an aversion to yellow.

Thanks

PS Has anyone heard about the 2015 TI's not shipping until December?

Not in my experience, in the tropics. The mesh fabric allows enough air through the tramp that they never get *that* hot.

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2013 Tandem Island "Victory Lane"
Oahu, Hawaii
www.rotorheadsblog.blogspot.com

Mark,

I just ordered my first TI too. I don't know the answer to the "hot tramps" question. I just went ahead and got the black because IMO it looks best with the red.

My dealer told me not to expect my boat until January at the earliest. That would obviously make it too cold to use here in Nebraska. So it looks like I get to twiddle my thumbs and admire the new toy in the garage until May at the earliest.

_________________
2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

Good to know that I won't be cooking the kids on the tramps next summer.

_________________
2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

Why did you pick red color? I originally wanted red and then yellow and now maybe Dune. The color is becoming the hardest part of this purchase. What accessories did you get?

1. Red is my favorite color.
2. Red is highly visible on the water.

So far the only accessory that I'll have is the black tramps. I'll probably sail it stock for a while, but I have a storm jib from a 22' Ranger that I will probably cut down to size and rig up.

_________________
2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

Cornhusker fan = Red

Since I am a ND (Irish) fan = Golden Papaya! Thanks for helping me make my color decision.

I can't stand the Huskers. I'm a transplant from Michigan and I'm a Michigan State fan. They don't sell a Sparty colored TI though.

_________________
2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

Oops, sorry about that.

No worries .
The boat we demoed was papaya. It's a nice color and would be my second choice.

_________________
2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

What accessories are you planning to get for yours?

_________________
2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

I have a Papaya TI with black tramps, I sail it on Lake Mead near Las Vegas in 110 degree heat and have never had the tramps get too hot to sit on or touch, they handle the heat quite well.


Brad N
Henderson, NV

Thanks BradN. The demo boat didn't have tramps so we didn't get a chance to try them out. I just figured that a 12 and 8 year old would fit just fine on them. I never considered the heat aspect of the black tramps though. It doesn't get near as hot as Las Vegas here in Nebraska, but we do see 90+ days quite a bit during the summer.

Looking at the "TI3" project topic I noticed they had put some cup holders on the akas. I hadn't thought about that, but I will definitely add that for the kids.

_________________
2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

Definitely the tramps because I plan on using it as a swimming platform when moored in a lake cove. Was debating about a cart as I'll mostly (90%) of the time be launching and retrieving using a boat ramp. Getting the Hobie Trailex trailer (and TI cradle set) because it supposedly easier to launch with the 8 inch wheels. Although I debated getting a Malone with 12 inch wheels as a better ride via Interstates. My dealer says the 8 inch wheels will be just fine. Wife wants the Hobie inflatable PFD's as there are said to be the most comfortable. However, I felt very safe on the TI in the lake and wonder if we would be using them much especially when swimming or floating on a noodle in a cove. Was looking at buying an anchor but was advised to just get a mesh bag, load it with rocks from shore and tie it to a rope for use as an anchor. Sounds logical and reduces weight carried on the TI. Was considering a cover but realized it was just for the actual kayak and not the amas. May have changed my mind but my wife thinks it would save wear and tear when trailering it down to the Gulf 2-3 times a year. My wife is considering a dodger to keep her legs from getting sunburned (pale skin shes of Irish/English decent) so that is a consideration. May find a need for a Hatch Liner and dry bag along with some sort of safety kit. Don't plan on any night time excursions so no night lighting items. Last but not least going to put together a "spare parts" bag with parts that seem to break at the most inopportune time and the necessary tools to go with. That's about it ... how about you?

I'm thinking of an anchor. We opted for a trailer from our dealer and not the Trailex one. The dealer's was quite a bit cheaper. I thought the cover they made for the TI/AI covered the amas too? We do plan on towing it interstate both here in Nebraska as well as to Ohio and Michigan so I'll have to figure something out with a cover. We opted for the traditional paddling PFDs as opposed to inflatable. I feel more comfortable knowing that if I'm unconscious then I will still float (I don't have to activate it), plus the water activated ones are a little sensitive for TI use (wet ride). a couple of drybags and a cooler. We get to wait until spring to take possession of the boat, so we get to piecemeal the purchase of the accessories and see what goes on sale at the end of the season. I didn't even think of a dodger for my redheaded wife I was just going to make her slather SPF 1000 sunscreen on.

Just a thought but you may want to look at a handheld VHF that could clip onto your PFD if your going off the coast. Just in that rare event that you might need to call the CG.

I might look at a couple of ram mounted cup holders for the kids to use on the tramps. I'm interested to see what kind of accessories Hobie comes out with for the 2015 models.

_________________
2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas