A little late to the party, but since I just went through the selection process, I thought I would chime in.
Also long time sailor, former Hobie 16 racer, and have circled back to Hobies. To help "prototype" the selection I went through a series of Kayaks, previously puzzling over a Hobie Revolution 13 vs. a Revolution 11. Wanted the 13 for speed and wanted the 11 for portability. The 11 won out if for no other reason that it was the first available. As I was car topping, the ease of portability paid off and even though I intended to trailer either HAI or HTI, I think the portability factor left an impact.
Fast forward 6 months, I finally decided to pull the trigger on an AI and in land locked Arizona none were to be found. I figured I would be sailing alone 99% of the time, saving the times the grandkids and/or wife might want to come along. So, it came to first available and a 2020 Hobie AI popped up just down the street.
I have been out on it 3 times and no regrets. I prefer not to paddle so I like the convenience of trampolines on either side. I intend to fish, but so far the sailing has been too spectacular to stop to fish. Maybe in the summer doldrums?
Anyway, hope this in some way helps. BTW, back in day (post Hobie 16) I was infatuated with the Ian Farrier trimarans. They had not yet made it to America (As Corsair Marine) and I went as far as to purchase a set of plans for a Trailer-Tri 620. Unfortunately, the complexity of the patented A-arm construction, overall time, and money, were too much and I had to pass on building.
Enjoy your Corsair and good luck in your selection process.
Steve HAI "Tri-al Size"
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