Having extensively read the main threads on this topic already (
Sleeping on Board),
Have you done any "expedition" trips on the AI?, unfortunately a lot of the photos and links are now broken because these are up to 10 years old! I thought it is a good chance to start a new thread on the topic. Maybe people have new learnings and developed things, or new technology/products are out.
Camping on-board the Hobie IslandI will edit this post if the thread gets big, to later update a simple summary of key topics/themes, and index/link the post. The other posts were 30-80 pages long so it is hard to find the info required!
My DreamI want to turn my 2018 TI into a floating hotel! I don't need to bring the kitchen sink but I do want it to be comfortable, warm, dry and safe.
I live in Sydney, Australia and we have some beautiful waterways nearby but unfortunately most being national park, prohibit camping on land, however it is allowed to anchor and remain floating/on your boat, and sleep on the water. Most are in sheltered creeks/coves, but I do want the versatility to camp in a more exposed area too. This is what I plan to do!
My requirements:
1. enough room for two adults (bonus if I can squeeze a kid in every now and then); in the same sleeping quarters - need the Mrs to keep warm! Not keen on the separate self-contained swag/bivvy/cots.
2. comfortable and enough space for a tall bloke (I'm 6')
3. ability to get to shore when nature calls (Stand Up Paddleboard or similar? as a haka/tender)
4. rain, wind & bug proof!
5. this is for a leisurely relaxing thing, not a expedition race
so not needing some super small, light, fast to setup, more aiming for comfort!
So far I have came across two ideal setup methods:
1.Stringy (such a well known legend on these forums and a wealth of knowledge):
Two
Helinox Cot stretchers set in aluminium grooves across the center hull, flat sturdy platform, able to get out on both sides to cook etc. or a single PVC platform frame tensioned fabric.
+ gold standard, sturdy
+ flexible with what tent you put on after the platform is sorted.
- expensive (cot stretchers are $500ea)
- custom building aluminium supports to then seat the cot stretchers into
Photos for inspiration (credit to Stringy again!):
2. Hajime from JapanPop-up dome tent straight on the tramp, fills in the lumpy part of the front seat then paddleboard haka.
+ Cheap(er) - $200 decathlon tent
- may feel like you are sleeping in a recliner,
- may get splashes given the tent is straight low on the tramp, or rocking given off-centre balance.
Photos (credit to
Hajime (Youtube)):
Some challenges to overcome:
1.
Toilet! Portable loo fold-up plastic bag style, or a big paddleboard doubling as a haka/platform to go to shore...?
2.
Wind - needing high wind rating tent. Teton Outfitter XXL tent looks quite small 1 person? Decathlon Quechua 2 person is not rated well for wind.
3.
Shade - a large bimini to use as a shelter, deploying this first to protect from the elements and then doing the rest of the setup.
4.
Cooking - Integrated butane canister like Jetboil
5.
Bugs! 6. Whether mast needs to be taken down.
7. worried about investing too much $, but it easily pays back given no accommodation costs!
Separately, there are many other styles of camping done from the Hobie TI.
Some people have rigged up hammocks, e.g. ChrisJ
Some have very large setups e.g. YakAttaque:
For inspiration, here is the first place I want to camp, it is near Sydney Australia, in the Hawkesbury River.
and another less sheltered area:
Would love to hear everyone's thoughts, comments, suggestions so I can get this happening ! Feel free to post about other methods too as this thread should assist everyone wanting to unlock the great outdoors by camping overnight with their TI (and AI!).