trapperjohn wrote:
Thank you all for the replies, I guess the AI will sail nicely with 300 pounds on it. Now my only decision is whether to buy a 2011 model for $3,000 or a 2012 model for $3,749... Any thoughts on this?
I'm not aware of any significant changes between the two - except I think the 2012 has an improved mirage drive locking mechanism or similar.
If they are both brand new and come with a full warranty, I think I would go with the 2011.
Just make sure you are aware of how to avoid accidentally unlocking the click.'n go mechanism on the mirage drive. I never have a problem with it these days, but when I first started I (& many others) managed to unlock the mechanism with the heel of my foot occassionally.
This results in the drive getting jammed in the drive well, which can be quite difficult to unjam.
If you get hooked on these things - like most of us - this won't be the first and last model you buy. There will be future models with many more significant improvements and you will find you want to upgrade and get all the benefits they offer.
Conversely, I originally owned a 2009 model. It was a great boat and actually had some features I prefer to the 2011.