New AI Owner in CT

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking around this forum for a couple of months now. We've been renting kayaks locally for a few years now for paddling on everything from class I-II whitewater to coastal paddling on Long Island sound. I've also been wanting to get back into sailing for years (I sold my last sailboat in '95 and other than taking out a sunfish or Bravo here and there, I've been really missing it). I was "smitten" by the idea of an AI since I first learned of the boat this summer, and was able to convince my wife to buy one (along with a Hobie Kona). We bought a 2008 Demo boat from our local dealer for $2000.

So many questions, but I'll start with a few:
- are there any other CT sailors on this forum? If so, where do you like to sail?
- would it be crazy to PADDLE the AI on class I-II whitewater (basically riffles up to about 2' standing waves, and without the amas, akas, or mirage drive, of course)
- Any accessories or upgrades that you consider "essential"? I'm going to buy paddle leashes and a plug-in cart next time I go to the dealer. Tramps maybe? (we have a 9-year old, and I'd like to bring my wife and daughter out sailing).
- any things I should look out for in the first shake-down cruise? (i'm going to take it out on a small lake nearby before venturing anywhere else).

Thanks in advance!

Welcome Puzman

I am originally from CT, but now reside on Maui
What area of CT are you in?

I do get back every year for an extended visit of family, but not with my AI.
I use to live on the Farmington river and some of my family still does. I did a lot of whitewater on it (mostly class 2-3) for over 20 years. I'm not sure I'd run my AI (even in just Adventure mode) on it. Not because of the how the boat could respond, but thinking of what a near-surface rock could do to the Mirage drive well area, even with the plug in. Maybe others have comments on experience with the Mirage well and river rocks? The last 5 years on the river, I used an Hobie Odyssey as a single and rescue craft while running rapids in a group and it worked great! If someone dumped out, I'd just slip back one seat when picking them up and go get their 'yak.

Here is a link to my website that links to many forum entries here on rigging the AI: http://www.kayakingbob.com/forums

I'd be interested in hearing of your exploits with your AI in CT.

Happy sailing and 'yaking

_________________

Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Kayak Bob,

Thanks for your reply, and your website is certainly a wealth of information! I live in Durham, CT (about halfway between New Haven and Hartford). We're about 20 miles from the shoreline, so boat launching around the Thimble Islands or Hammonassett Beach should be pretty easy. I'm picking up the Island tonight, and can't wait to get out sailing (and peddling, and paddling)!

Cheers,
John

Welcome to our little contingent of New England AI sailors. I'm in the Albany NY area. With fall a few days from start my thoughts have been turning to warmer clothes. The AI is a wet boat, and in my experience the more fun the sailing conditions, the wetter you get. There is something truly wonderful about crashing through the waves and getting smacked around with the substantial spray. But its getting cold now and I find even my NRS waterproof rain pants over neoprine shorts, hightop water boots, hat, water gloves, and splash jacket aren't as good for chill protection as I want. You're lucky to be so close to the ocean. I take my AI out at various spots on the Hudson and on some of the larger lakes around here. My favorite accessories are the plug in wheels and the trampolines.

Timo