Hobie AI Boyancy

Thought I'd share my "duh" moment with other Hobie owners.

   I launched my AI for the first time this past weekend.  Due to the size of the yak & all the rigging, I opted to buy a trailer/cradles for it.  Launched at the ramp in Monterey by the Wharf and was a little puzzled as to why it wasn't coming off the trailer like I expected.  I looked down to find my trailer floating right under the yak.  First thoughts was "hmmm, this trailer is so light the two tires (and 1 spare) have enough buoyancy, the trailer floats ... what a crappy design.  Well, shortly there after I see that I forgot to remove a bungee cord holding part of the yak to the trailer.

   Lesson learned .... remove all straps & the AI has enough buoyancy to float my trailer under the yak (should I decide to just unhitch the trailer & leave it attached while taking the yak out for a spin

~Bill

Bill,

it's one of the funniest staff that we unexpectedly see sometimes and make us smile for good.

Thank you,
Igor
 

   

Thought I'd share my "duh" moment with other Hobie owners.

   I launched my AI for the first time this past weekend.  Due to the size of the yak & all the rigging, I opted to buy a trailer/cradles for it.  Launched at the ramp in Monterey by the Wharf and was a little puzzled as to why it wasn't coming off the trailer like I expected.  I looked down to find my trailer floating right under the yak.  First thoughts was "hmmm, this trailer is so light the two tires (and 1 spare) have enough buoyancy, the trailer floats ... what a crappy design.  Well, shortly there after I see that I forgot to remove a bungee cord holding part of the yak to the trailer.

   Lesson learned .... remove all straps & the AI has enough buoyancy to float my trailer under the yak (should I decide to just unhitch the trailer & leave it attached while taking the yak out for a spin

~Bill

Stop using "heavy duty" bungees 

I was beside myself when I found out the bungee held!  Though the trailer is all aluminum, it is still a good couple hundred pounds.

   Extra lesson learned ... buy bright colored bungees in the future!

~Bill

Sorry but that's some funny shxt thx for sharing

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First time jitters...

Great story.   I wish I had a trailer and space to park it.

Great story.   I wish I had a trailer and space to park it.

your not gonna get a trailer in there when its full of kayaks:))

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Its nice to have a dedicated trailer and have the yak rigged-n- ready to roll but then you have to deal with launch ramp lines & parking.  Still worth it to me though.

That's funny. I think many of us who have owned boats/trailers in the past have done the same thing by leaving a tie down strap hooked to the trailer. Usually happens at a crowded ramp with pressure and lots of eyes watching as you become the star of the amazing floating-trailer show! The other oh-no moment was forgetting to put in the drain plug...

I love my AI trailer. That little bugger handles high speeds on the freeways just fine (get bearing buddies) and you hardly know it's back there. In and out very fast at the ramps too. It does limit my options on fishing locations (at least in my mind), but the ability to have my boat ready to go as it sits on the 4 foot wide trailer in the garage certainly gets me using it more often. 

 

  The wheels stock wheels for my OB float, and do impart huge drag!  Found this out the hard way, back when we could still launch at Loch Lomond.  I got OB all ready, hopped on and started my way out away from the dock, but peddling didn't seem to be working?  The drive was in and set properly, I was kicking away, steerage was minimal WTH?  DOH>>>   my wheels were still in!  Forgot to pull at the ramp!   Haven't done that again!