Color durability?

Hey all - new to the forums, but have been reading/lurking here for awhile. I've had my eye on the TI for a few years now, and am getting close to picking one up. My first (of many, I'm sure) question is, which color? Specifically, I really love the hibiscus, but in talking to a nearby dealer, he suggested that the hibiscus wasn't going to wear as well over time as the papaya, in terms of visibility of scratches.

So, that's the question - for you hibiscus owners, or particularly those who've seen both hibiscus and papaya over time, is one significantly more durable than the other? Enough to justify going with the papaya?

The papaya holds up very well with very slight fadING over 3-4 years. The older hibiscus boaT would fade in just several years bUT about 2 years ago the hibiscus color was maDE into a more intense Farari red. It was said to be more UV resistant. It would be nice to hear from someone that owns one of the newer Farari red islands and hear how they are holding up.

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Greg

2016 AI - Spinn & Jib

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.”
– Charles G. Davis

I own a red 2015 TI which I purchased new in April 2015. When I received it the color wasn't bright red as I expected, it already looked faded brand new. I don't know is this is typical or if there was a problem with mine. I was disappointed it didn't look as good as I thought it would, but I didn't make an issue of it.

Soon after receiving it I applied 303 Aerospace Protectant to the entire hull in an effort to mitigate UV damage. This product made the color come alive, turning it a bright, vibrant red. I was amazed and intrigued by this. I then tried a multitude of other products I had on hand for cleaning and protecting plastic surfaces, but nothing came as close to improving the looks of the boat as the 303 Aerospace Protectant.

Here is a closeup of what the hull looks like with the product applied:



The product lasts about 2 weeks and then needs to be reapplied. Given that it both protects the plastic from UV as well as enhances the color, it's well worth the cost and effort. I'm very happy with the color now.

I chose red because as a former power boater I knew how difficult it often is to see smaller sized, pale colored boats on the water. Red boats really stand out and are far easier to spot. So this was a safety as well as aesthetic decision for me. So far I haven't had a close encounter with other boats, they all seem to easily see me.

The red color of my boat has not faded in two seasons of use. In addition to the 303 Aerospace Protectant, I keep it under cover when it's not in use. Hopefully with these precautions the color will last for many years to come.

I have a 2013 red TI and have noticed very little fading. Guess time will tell but have not been disappointed so far. I do use the Hobie cover when not on the water and also use the 303 protectant several times a year. I had the same concerns before I chose red, but am happy and would make the same choice again.

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Randy
2013 Tandem Island "Frenzy"

Thanks, guys! I'd keep mine either under cover outside or in a garage, and wouldn't mind keeping it up with the 303, as well. One of the other main comments the dealer made was that any scratches would show more. Do you find that to be the case at all?

I have a red 2015 TI. I use 303 on it a couple of times per season. I store in the garage on the trailer. When trailering long distances I use the Hobie cover. I haven't noticed any fading.

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

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

He's probably right about that because of the darker color, but scratches are going to occur and show with any color and these boats are easily scratched as they're made from soft plastic.

I wouldn't worry too much about it, it's a kayak not a car and scratches don't detract much from its aesthetics. If you worry too much about scratches you won't have much fun with it.

There may be a way to buff out some of the scratches or at least make them less noticeable, but I don't know how to do that with plastic. Does anyone else know?

Hi Johnny
I have a new 2016 ti in hibicus red. Yes its like ferrari red and still has a glossy look. Its only 3 months old though and i dont think we suffer the same sun exposure problems as others. Limited sunshine in ireland lol.
My advice would be to pick color based on safety ie how easy it will be to see it in water. I use in sea and wanted to be sure it could be seen. Although i think tje papaya is the nicest looking color of the three. IMO the papaya is not as easily seen in water especially with white horses in the mix.


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2016 Tandem Island (Red)