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AI Ruggedness, Wind/Wave Limits, Your survival stories.
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=68305		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Dan P. [ Fri May 07, 2021 11:42 am ]
Post subject:  AI Ruggedness, Wind/Wave Limits, Your survival stories.
I currently own a 2015 AI, which I purchased to use when conditions make it unsafe to sail the F18 ( an 18', two person racing catamaran)

As is the case with many of the worlds best sailing spots, conditions here in the San Francisco Bay are in an "Advisory" status almost daily, however most active and experienced boats/skippers/crews are configured for this, maintaining personal limits.

Several days a month the conditions will clear the bay of boats. But these conditions do not seem to bother the AI, due mainly to the ability to furl, and the inherent initial stability of a tri. My personal wind limit is when the AI can not point high enough to get me back to port, I am guessing that's around 25-30kts. The AI's wave limit is where I have no point of reference. Four foot wind-waves (chop) 20' trough to trough are common here. From the cockpit it looks like it should tear the ama's right off the boat. But it doesn't, and you get used to it and start to enjoy it. But I often wonder what the limit is.

Has anyone had any experience with hardware failure due to rough surface state and high wind? My current boat being the 2015 has more robust looking Aka hinge casting/pins than the old 2011's I've sailed a lot (which also never failed in tough conditions). I have heard that the mast step in the 2011's would eventually crack the hull, but apparently this was addressed by Hobie by the time my 2015 was made.

I am looking forward to your stories of conditions related hardware failures and limits you have found (e.g. inability to go to weather). An signs of failure to look out for. BTW, I weigh 180lbs. I think weight is probably a key metric to all of our limits / stories.

Thanks all!

Dan
Author:  winfield100 [ Fri May 07, 2021 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: AI Ruggedness, Wind/Wave Limits, Your survival stories.
take a very close look at the hinge pins on the two arms that hold the aka’s out
note very close are 2 spare hinge pins
get another handful as spares

i ran into something at about 2-3 kts and both pins on both sides broke and the ama’s folded.
they are designed it seems to break and save the aka’s

i was on flat water light breeze daylight

i’m unsure of their shear strength but folks use additional wires etc to make sure they don’t fold at very in opportune times
Author:  Dan P. [ Fri May 07, 2021 7:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: AI Ruggedness, Wind/Wave Limits, Your survival stories.
Thanks for the advice. You are correct. The design intent of the nylon bolts in the aka brace is to shear as a result of impact. They work well, as I have experienced reliable shearing during collisions. But, they have never sheared while sailing in rough conditions - I find this surprising - - impressive actually.

Dan
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