I just looked in the manual that came with my TI and on page 18, the boat CE classification is clearly stated "D" in the manual (
http://static.hobiecat.com/digital_asse ... _rev-b.pdf) as well as the big ole plaque that I took a picture of earlier (hard to miss, and probably difficult to remove as well). I fail to understand why this is not clear.....
Also clearly stated in the caution/safety tips section it is stated
"do not take the Hobie Mirage Tandem Island out in the surf or head out in the ocean unless you are an extremely experienced sailer". This cannot be any clearer and anyone researching to purchase a boat should know where they plan to use the boat before purchase, and be aware of how they plan to use the boat, the limitations, and local laws before they buy the boat. ( Just like Tony described, buying a Ferrari then finding out it doesn't fit in the garage, or in my case buying a sports car and finding it only sits 3 inches off the ground, and is useless for towing and launching my TI (LOL, I get stuck all the time at launches) )
I don't feel Hobie has hidden any information from anyone and the 'D' CE classification is correct for the boat in it's 'from the factory stock configuration'. Especially given the fact that the optional AMA's, sail, tramps, etc can easily be removed, and the hull alone can be used, I wouldn't recommend taking the Hobie TI kayak (without AMA's and mainsail) out in anything more the what CE class "D" outlines, the certification is affixed to the hull itself (not on all the added optional components).
In the US the laws appear to be more strict, in as according to the 'coast guard rules' you are not allowed more than 2 miles from shore unless your boat is equipped with a bunch of safety equipment (listed on their website), and you will be pulled over and checked ( I have, but they don't take your boat away and leave you stranded out at sea with nothing, "that would be a little harsh", typically they just give you a warning, and make you go closer to shore (watching to make sure you comply (for your own safety)). Remember they are only trying to keep you safe from yourself.
I have owned 3 TI's myself in the last 4 years with well in excess of 6000 sailing miles in pretty much any conditions, and know the boat and it's limitations well.
I personally would never take a stock TI out in open ocean more than 2-3 miles off shore even with the mainsail, AMA's, tramps, etc (especially in rough seas or high winds). Especially if I didn't have all the correct safety equipment on board, and the boat itself modified and hardened for off shore use (mine is heavily modified/hardened for off shore use).
Most TI users who do regularly go off shore and out into open ocean are pretty experienced sailers, and know the areas we plan to sail (our home waters), and always have backup and shore support just in case something bad happens.
I can give examples of things on the TI that have to be modified or strengthened for off shore use.
1. The plastic rudder pin will likely shear and you will lose rudder control in adverse conditions (20mph plus winds, and/or 3 ft plus seas). Either a backup steering system, or a hardened rudder system needs to be in place before even thinking of going out in open water. Anyone (like me) who has tried to replace their rudder pin in rough seas (3-4 ft chop and high winds) knows it is pretty much impossible.
2. The Nylon sheer bolts on the AMA's that prevent the AMA's from folding in, are not strong enough for off shore use, I personally have sheered many of these pins. My TI has tie down ropes fixing the AMA's in the open position so they cannot fold in.
3. The base of the mast holder (at the bottom of the hull) is a 1/4-20 stud that is affixed to the bottom of the hull, this stud is not sufficient for adverse conditions and will shear off in really strong downwind or rough conditions. I inserted an aluminum plate inside my hull pinched in between the back of the mast holder, and the front wall of the mirage drive pocket, then the entire area is epoxied in to take the load away from that lone little stud. Every TI I have purchased that's the first thing I do (the re-enforcement is easily removed when you sell the boat if desired). In addition I would never go out in open water without a rear stay line on the mast which takes some of the stress from that little stud.
4. The bungy cords that hold the AMA's onto the AKA arms are not sufficient for use in rough seas or open ocean, the AMA's can easily fall off ( mine have came off in rough seas (the rear AKA brace fell out). My rope brace systems prevents the AMA's from falling off, and flopping around.
5. I typically sail 'off shore' around Key West (where we have our second home) which is an Island with notorious and very strong currents (gulf stream runs in the area I typically sail south of the island (where the coral reefs are)), a stock TI with mirage drives is unable to overcome these currents, basically if you get caught in them in light winds, or from the wrong direction, next stop Cuba or north Carolina. A stock TI cannot get you back to the Island (this has actually happened to me). My TI is rigged with additional sail area (basically rigged for the area and typical conditions), without the additional sails I would be very worried, and would not attempt going off shore in that area especially. (NOTE: We are scuba divers, and snorkelers, and typically use our TI to support our activities)
6. My TI is equipped with a very reliable backup propulsion system, that in the event of all else failing (including rudder breakage), I can count on to get me back to shore. I always carry at a minimum 150 miles worth of fuel for the Honda engine on board. This emergency backup engine has saved my bacon on many occasions. Personally I would never dream of going off shore without it. Actually in 4 yrs I have never taken my TI out anywhere sailing in salt water without the engine installed on the boat.
7. The US coast guard has very strict rules on required safety equipment required on any boat more than 2 miles off shore, which is heavily enforced. I would never dream of going offshore without all the required safety equipment on board and in good working order (your flares have to have current certification), and you darn sure better have current local charts on board, as well as a reliable FM radio, and full navigation lighting (you never know if you will be out after dark).
Even with all that we tend to try to Island hop whenever possible trying to stay no more than 2-3 miles from any land mass. And when we do go further off shore (like to the coral reefs) we try to stay in heavy traffic areas where there are lots of other boats around, and seldom venture beyond cell phone range of KW.
I agree with the CE 'D' rating on the stock Tandem Island, unless you know what your are doing and very experienced at offshore sailing, have the know how to harden and equip the TI for offshore use, it's best to stay within the recommended guidelines of the CE "D" classification in my opinion.
Of course this is all just my personal opinion, and means nothing, but I would feel bad if someone took their TI out based on some of the stuff I have done with mine thinking the stock boat can do what my heavily modified TI can do and gets hurt or lost at sea. I understand completely the risk that I take on myself, using my TI the way I do, but don't recommend anyone else do the same without the knowledge, experience, and knowhow to accomplish it safely.
Would any of the above prevent me from buying another Tandem Island, or am I be concerned that the Boat only has a "D" CE rating. Not in a million years, The Tandem Island boats are unique in the industry, and there is no equal to this boat available on the market
as far as versatility and ease of use. Basically I accept it's limitations, and work around them. Perhaps someday they will come out with a more hardened "C" version of the boat, I will be first in line to buy one, in the mean time I just work with what I have because The TI is unique in the industry with no equal (literally nothing else out there in the same league).
Here is a pic of my heavily modified TI with 265 sq ft of sails (the big 135 sq ft spinnaker is furled up on the deck). This was at a recent Hobie Island club outing where me and one other island launched later than the main group and missed the tide going out the pass. Trying to catch up with the main group I ended up towing the second TI eight miles in 7 mph winds at an average speed of around 7 to 7.5 mph (powersailing) in order to catch up with the rest of the group ( I used $.40 cents worth of fuel that day). A typical stock TI sails .6 wind speed, mine easily sails 1.2 to 1.5 wind speed thru pretty much all points of sail (including upwind). Top speed is around 20 mph. The boat is hardened for offshore use.
Hope this helps
Bob
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