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First time out with AI
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Author:  Tom Kirkman [ Sun Jul 01, 2012 7:27 am ]
Post subject:  First time out with AI

Got tired of waiting on trailer parts and wanted to try out the AI today so I cobbled together a base for hauling my new AI on a buddy's Rack and Roll Trailer. (I have to say, the R&R is the finest trailer I have ever pulled. Even across major pot-holes, manhole covers, rough surfaces, etc., it doesn't clang or bang, bump or bounce. I couldn't feel it back there so I kept looking in the rear view to reassure myself that it was still attached to the truck.)

I like the boat. It's surprisingly fast considering the size and a 15" mast stuck up in the air. Goes together easy and works well. Didn't have much wind (3MPH or less) so I spent most of the near hour furling and unfurling the sail, getting used to the sheets and other items that you don't fool with on the other Hobie fishing type kayaks. Everything seems to work well.

I was surprised at how low it sits in the water, even lower than my Revo 13. But it moves well. Turns are exceptionally sharp. The boat responds very well to the sailing rudder. I only wish I had had the winds we experienced this year up until just about the time I got the AI. Oh well. They'll come around again.

Now that I have some time in I have a better idea of what tweaks I want to pursue. One thing I may try is moving the main sheet out of the cleat on the front cross bar and putting another one a little further back towards the seat. I didn't like the height at which I had to hold the sheet while trimming the sail.

Two issues:

1. I hosed the boat down topside last night to ensure I had no above the waterline leaks. Found none. Dry as a chip inside after a good solid 15 minutes of high pressure water soaking. However, I took on about a gallon and a half of water this morning in calm water. This happened in less than an hour. This seems excessive. None of my other Hobies take on that much water in a full day. I guess I'll start looking for below the waterline leaks this afternoon.

2. Just like the Revolution, the AI forces you to sit in a puddle of water. The top of the seat scuppers are below the waterline so open they let in water and soak your butt, and closed they allow any water that splashes in to remain. Might as well leave them open, so the water level doesn't creep any higher than it already does. Somebody mentioned an aftermarket seat. I may try one. If I can get an inch or so it might be just enough to keep my butt half-way dry on calm days. (I don't expect to be dry anywhere on windy days). I don't mind my butt getting wet, but having it submerged in a pool of water all day long isn't anything to look forward to.

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