AI2 (aka AI Tandem) - Prototype to Production

Thanks guys... I use to do a lot of the shows, but in recent years not so many.

No plans for Annapolis for me as far as I know.

I love the town though and have done that show many, many times.

Best part of the show is the exit! Docks come down and boats exit at speed within a very short time. Very entertaining to watch.

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

That's the truth. It truly is a sight to see. From gate closing to docks free and pretty much empty in a little more than an hour. I was on the harbor in a Revo for last year's exit. Figured that with many boats in motion in such a tight area, I wanted something a little more maneuverable than an Adventure.

- Jim L

FWIW I heard the January date $4600 also from show info obtained by dealer. Price includes IIRC two drives and two paddles so there is some of the increase over a single AI price.

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Is there any indication of max weight load capacity?

2 Round people really want to know!

Is there any form of ETA on any more news on this?

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2 different dealers have told me to expect it in January 2010 but also that production hasn't yet started.................

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Mike K

Many here are eagerly awaiting more specifics.

Wondering if the AI2 will make a good 2 person touring kayak or if the extra weight and built in daggar board will limit such use.

Wondering also if as a 2 person boat will it sail (no mirage drive use) competitively against the single person Island. Gotten spoiled on the nimble Island but it sure would nice to see a bit more speed from the AI2.

I'm amazed at how well the internal bracing of the mast cup is engineered on the Island, but there may be a limit to mast height and sail size with such a setup on the tandem. Just look at the mast bracing the Hobie Bravo requires.

Anyway, the new Island tramps have temporarily given wife and I the ability to go out in the same boat. For short trips setting up & taking down 2 Islands is well... 2wice the work -

All good things come to those that wait

So I stay tuned

Practicing for the AI2

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Not yet "rotomolded" so no. We expect to announce the product after the first of the year (2010).

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

What material is it gonna be if not rotomolded? Can we expect the same durability as the AI?

I believe that the operative part there was "Not yet "rotomolded""
The prototypes are done in fiberglass because it's a lot easier to work with. The production version will certainly be done in rotomolded plastic. At least, that is what I'd expect, given that the rest of Hobie's entire kayak line is done that way. Definitely looking forward to seeing the final product!

Happy Sailing,
- Jim L

Oh, I thought he was implying it would be released as some sort of fiberglass version first, then rotomold in the future. Maybe to keep weight down?