Sailing does take you away @ ARW

Hi Yakers, I mean Sailers

 Very nice setup! Now "Where's the Fish?" Rag Heads.
                                                                   Regards
                                                                   Ernie
                                                             

What does that whole paragraph mean? 

HI AI Hobies:

  I like the AI for sailing, looks like fun, I would be interested in
what's it like to come about when you hook up and fish? Will the AI range exceed your ability to handle the Craft
safely off shore? How hard is it to really fish off of?
                                                                                                   Regards
                                                                                                   Ernie
"raghead" is slang for the owner of a sailboat as opposed to a powerboat, a stinkpotter. He's a raghead yachtsman, owns a sailboat
             
  One Members spin
" Personally I don't use the sail that often because Molly doesn't like it and it is easier to fish without it. "

Ernie... I'm glad to you cleared up the "raghead" comment.  I'm sure some people thought it as a derogatory racial term.

Sailing and fishing from a Hobie Island is easier than you might think.  YouTube it and see for yourself.  There are a few extra things to consider when you're yak has a sail and extra lines aboard, but I got use to it quick.  The bottom line for me is the sail is a HUGE asset when the wind comes up.  Around here, you can typically count on on the wind in the afternoon when you're way offshore and already tired from a long day of fishing.  I now look forward to harnessing the wind to get from spot to spot and to get free ride back home.

Hit me up if you wanna demo an AI.

Earnie

It's a trade off when I use the sail and when I don't. When I am fishing with paddlers I tend not to use the sail because for me it is a social sport and I want to hang out and talk. When I am fishing with my dog, I don't use the sail because Molly doesn't like it. I don't know why she doesn't like it but,I accept her feelings. She doesnt ask for much so not a big deal. The AI is the most versatile fishing platform OT W and a big game killing machine. Most of the AI guys pair up with other AIs and sail fish predominantly. I personally like the one AMA no sail option the best unless I am trolling or going long range but I am in the minority. The AI crew don't post a lot so most don't know how many big fish they have slain but I guarantee you that it is beyond belief. I have said it before, if they weren't $4,000 everybody would own one.

Scott

......I personally like the one AMA no sail option the best unless I am trolling or going long range but I am in the minority. The AI crew don't post a lot so most don't know how many big fish they have slain but I guarantee you that it is beyond belief. I have said it before, if they weren't $4,000 everybody would own one.

Scott

SteveS, Chris HatTrick, and I are big fans of the one outrigger set up too.  The outrigger conveniently folds for mothership transport too!

it probably takes you about one trip to get used to fishing with the sail. There's an extra step when you hook-up trolling- reef the sail.  But it is actually much easier than you would think.  The thing is super forgiving
Hook ups when anchored just mean that occasionally you have to pass the rod around the mast- its basically the same as going around the bow, only closer. BTW the thing anchors beautifully- i've got a few sturgeon this year on it and it was a blast.

I used to worry about handling the boat offshore- given the range that is possible. I don't any longer, mostly because my healthy respect for the sea keeps me from doing too many stupid things, and also because the boat really is an amazing platform.  It actually handles better offshore than in close where you have steep wind waves and no swell.
check out the youtube videos

Here's my take on my AI. I have fishing for a long time, been to exotic places and caught enough variety.

When I first experienced sailing on the AI, it was a total different feeling. 

I felt the different emotions; feeling at peace, freedom, being tranquil.  It occurred to me fishing was not that important anymore.