Max,
The TI is a great platform for overnight expedition-style trips. Check out the Hobie AIs and TIs in the
Florida Everglades Challenge on the Watertribe website over the last few years.
http://www.watertribe.com Be sure to read their information on required and recommended equipment... it's a good starting list of gear for any extended-style boating/camping trip.
A thought comes to mind... Sometimes I hear people say, "I hate camping." Upon further conversation, it comes out that they had a miserable time on the few camping trips they were on, and therefore "hate" camping.
However, it's my firm belief that people DO NOT hate camping, rather, they hate being cold, hot, wet, dehydrated, tired, hungry, sunburned, sandblasted, etc. That is, they don't hate camping, they hate being miserable.
With the proper gear (a space suit), you can go camping on the
Moon... AND be warm, safe, & comfortable!
I mention all this because the TI is practically a dumptruck when it comes to hauling gear. Aside from proper wet-condition, seaworthy stowage, the only concern is overloading the boat, as it'll handle like a pig and stress the design.
With regard to the Hobie Dodger (the tent-like cockpit cover), I don't own one and doubt I ever will. If it's warm, I dress to get wet (100% synthetics). If cold, I wear a two-piece dry suit with a layer of fleece insulation and a synthetic wicking layer. Keep your in-camp clothes absolutely seperate from your sailing clothes.
To satisfy the USCG requirements for proper navigational lights, I use NAVISafe lights afixed to the main hull with RAM Mounts and/or Scotty Mounts. I even have one atop my mast for the white 360° anchoring light.
As far as spray skirts go, I do own some of Bob's custom-made beauties. I mounted 'em with black bungee so they look factory original. They're great, although I rarely need 'em on the TI.
All in all, with the right clothing, the right gear, and sufficient experience, you'll have a great trip!
By the way, do you live in Houston, or is that your last name? I live in Houston. Maybe we could hook up some time.