Tandem Island and Centerboard Question

Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question

From the pics:
The centerboard on the Tandem appears like it fits into a black cradle or holder of sorts mounted on the top of the hull; it also appear to have a knob like handle. Am I seeing this correctly?

Also, if the centerboard kicks up it appears to be quite far aft into the rear peddle mechanism. Am I correct in assuming that no matter what position the center board is in that it will not prevent the rear occupant from full pedal strokes?

The pics just show the board close to the rear fins - so I had to ask.

TIA for any clarity in what I'm seeing

Also any hull only weight numbers on just the main boat?
Looking at Oasis and spit balling I was guessing a near 100lb main hull.

I received the rigged hull weight from the factory yesterday. With all attached hardware that you would expect including the crossbars, so "Car Topable" hull weight of 116 lbs.

The centerboard fits in from the bottom and is pinned in place at the leading edge pivot point. The black slot and control handle is radiused on top. The boards top end meets the deck here. You lift a knob to drop the board and the knob pops into a board-down location. its pretty much up or down. The board does not effect the aft pedals even with ST Turbo fins.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Fits in from the bottom? So it can't be removed while sailing like the Island does?

And you say it is either up or down - so you can't taper the dagger board to a variable position.

What happens when you strike something and it kicks up? On the solo Island when the board kicks up it is still quite exposed. Am I to assume that you can beach the Tandem with the centerboard installed but in the retracted position? If so it improves the issue of forgetting to remove dagger in the solo Island when beaching.

I have a American daysailor 14.5 that works much like you describe (I think) when center board is up it retracts fully into the hull, when down it is full down. Intermediate positions are hard to achieve.

No complaints - it appears that the tandem Island has some neat sailboat type features.

Yes, it retracts fully into the hull. Flush with the bottom.

There are just two "lock" positions (still will "kick up" if locked down), but I believe it can sit at various positions. It may also be possible to customize this fitting to hold it at a prefered position.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Matt, for a comparison, what is the "Car Topable" hull weight of the AI?

_________________

Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Bob, Hobie lists the Adventure hull at 62 lbs. but that is the kayak model.

To that you need to add the weight of cross braces and the mast cup/brace assembly, pulleys, line ect.

Figure 68lbs?? - I've gotten used to truck topping 2 Islands & sails while putting all the amas drives & paddles in the bed.

At 116lbs 18'6" I can still truck top it as I have 3 bars that the kayak can sit on. With 13' amas I will now have to truck top those as well.

I have an old boat trailer that I will have to rig up as a practical solution to get around all this heavy lifting.

I was looking for Matt's weight for the AI for an "apples to apples" comparison. So many ways to weigh.

I too transport as you do on a truck rack. Good point, I did not think about the problem with the new ama length (I have a 6' bed).

_________________

Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Just got the info from the factory... AI hull and crossbars is 77 lbs.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt.


Now how about a nice TI discount/rebate for AI earlier adopters/PITA

Ready for testing...

_________________

Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Wow - I've been lifting 77lbs all this time and didn't even know it
Thought my 68lb guesstimate felt a little light.

Tandem hull is only 39lbs more than Island hmm......

Ya, there is much to consider in transporting a larger boat and I'm not getting any younger.
Sure is worth figuring it out cause the Tandem looks like a beauty.

The Adventure was a kayak that morphed into the Island but the tandem looks more like a sailing craft is it's primary function. A 116lb Kayak is not a strong point for a kayak, but it is still great to have a dual purpose craft.

Heck, Hobies smallest Cat, The Bravo, weighs 195lbs and you get no kayak function & no mirage drive. I've seen the Bravo several times sailing up close & I'd choose the Tandem over the Bravo any time.

Just as I suspected! My bathroom scale has been lying all these years -- adding fictitious pounds! Anyway, my bloated scale weighs the Adventure in at 71 lb, the AI at 80 lb and the tandem Oasis at 77 lb (all with large rudders, no seats). I keep one seat permanently installed with minor lines and gear for an additional 5 lb. in each for loading purposes.

For comparison, the Pro Angler has a loading weight of 117 lbs (with seat, no trays), and is not really difficult to manage with a little technique, even for this old man:


As far as weight on the water, the Oasis running with one seat and ballast (not including paddle and Drive) weighs 135 lb and can still cover over 5 miles in an hour solo -- weight is not nearly as much of a handicap as some people might think.

Therefore, the TI at 116 lbs looks quite doable.

Bob, as I recall, you usually transport two AIs on your rack which precludes running amas along the side. But you should be able to nest them on the hulls if necessary. Here's what it looks like with the AI:

Alternatively, you could throw a bed extender on if you want to toss the amas in the back: