New TI owner questions

Hello, I am checking out my new TI and Trailex trailer with Hobie cradle. Question #1: Are the batten ends supposed to extend approx. 2 inches out of the sail when properly seated? Question #2: What techniques might help to pull the boat on and off the trailer? Without having tried to launch the boat yet, it might be an awkward process. Thanks

Yes, Battens extend out of the sail leech.

The best way to load on and off a trailer is to get the trailer as close to or in the water as possible. I prefer to keep a trailer dry, so would only get the wheels wet... just rubber if salt water. That extends the trailer out over the water enough to get the boat easily on. Some people dunk the trailer... you could then float the boat onto the trailer.

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

I back my trailer in until the front cradle is level with the water. I then float my TI on, and manually pull it forwards over the front roller (my trailer has a winch, but I have hardly ever used it). I find this to be a good compromise between having to lift the boat and having to struggle against any winds trying to swing the TI.

I have so far had more than 250 retrieves with no problems. However, I do thoroughly hose down TI and trailer after every trip, have bearing buddies on the wheel bearings, never launch or retrieve while the bearings are hot, and replace the bearings at least annually.

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Pappa, It's always awkward at first, especially at a busy, slippery launch ramp. I would recommend you rig and leash EVERYTHING before putting her in the water.

With practice, it can go very quickly. In fact, this is how NASCAR fans launch their boats.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPxUaTjFpP0[/youtube]

Welcome to the Hobie Forum!

That one is a must to add to my only in the US of A collection NOHUHU
Cheers,
Brian in South Australia.

That rain is forecast to ease Tony and with 23 forecast, you should definitely be out on the AI.

Good point NOHUHU, although ever so slightly exaggerated ! I have now refined my launch technique, in that I fully assemble >everything< in the carpark first, so when I approach the ramp, all I need to do is back 'er in (a bit slower than the vid!), secure it to something once afloat, and then go park the car.

I discovered that when things get busier around the ramp, some stinkboat owners get a little intolerant with people rigging up an Island. I reckon they are just jealous though

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker