No more Adventure Island kit production

I wouldn't worry about using the ai just with the hull, you'll never do it. You'll always end up using one ama as its just too damn convenient.

I thought I would use mine solo, and it never happens. I always end up with one ama, its just too damn nice, and not that much extra hassle.

From a fishing perspective, the sail provides an advantage mainly for trolling, fishing on windy days on the bay or when the total trip distance is over 8-10 miles. The disadvantage of the AI fully rigged are:
1. Rigging time and total weight
2. More drag when paddling over kelp or paddling in general
3. Faster drift
4. More complicated fish landing

The guys I fish with all have AI's. Before each trip we discuss the optimal configuration to match the target species, launch logistics, commute distance and WX. We run the full sail package only about 25% of the time, one ama 50% of the time and hull only 25% of the time. The hull only is one of the fastest kayaks on the market but has only average stability. We run the hull only when we have to traverse large kelp beds, gnarly surf launch or have a long portage. Other islanders run the full sail package all of the time, even when there is no wind.  Well to each their own. If you are buying an AI to sail most of the time, I would get the 2015. It is probably a better sailing platform. If you are buying an AI to fish, I would save your money and buy a used pre 2015 AI, ideally a 2013-2014 because they have the improved aka bars and shark fin rudder. They sail ok and for a beginning sailor a lot of fun. The AI is the most versatile fishing platform available and pretty easy to add a gas or electric engine if desired.

If you have an adventure and want to upgrade to an AI, the kit conversion is still a reasonable option especially if they bring the price down, however, there will be people selling their AI's to upgrade to a 2015 and it may be easier and less expensive to sell your adventure and buy a used AI. I have a 2012 Adventure which I converted to an AI so it has the original aka bars and twist and stow rudder and from a fishing perspective it works as well as the newer versions.

The guys I fish with all have AI's. Before each trip we discuss the optimal configuration to match the target species, commute distance and WX. We run the full sail package only about 25% of the time, one ama 50% of the time and hull only 25% of the time. The hull only is one of the fastest kayaks on the market but has only average stability. Other islanders run the full sail package all of the time, even when there is no wind.  Well to each their own. If you are buying an AI to sail most of the time, I would get the 2015. It is probably a better sailing platform. If you are buying an AI to fish, I would save your money and buy a used pre 2015 AI, ideally a 2013-2014 because they have the improved aka bars and shark fin rudder. They sail ok and for a beginning sailor a lot of fun. The AI is the most versatile fishing platform available and pretty easy to add a gas or electric engine if desired.

Scott - I have a 2012 AI, it came with the bigger shark fin rudder from the factory. Also with snap on aka bars and rudder side handles.  One thing to note is the 2013 trampolines were upgraded with bigger buckles.  I agree with your comments.

The guys I fish with all have AI's. Before each trip we discuss the optimal configuration to match the target species, commute distance and WX. We run the full sail package only about 25% of the time, one ama 50% of the time and hull only 25% of the time. The hull only is one of the fastest kayaks on the market but has only average stability. Other islanders run the full sail package all of the time, even when there is no wind.  Well to each their own. If you are buying an AI to sail most of the time, I would get the 2015. It is probably a better sailing platform. If you are buying an AI to fish, I would save your money and buy a used pre 2015 AI, ideally a 2013-2014 because they have the improved aka bars and shark fin rudder. They sail ok and for a beginning sailor a lot of fun. The AI is the most versatile fishing platform available and pretty easy to add a gas or electric engine if desired.

Scott - I have a 2012 AI, it came with the bigger shark fin rudder from the factory. Also with snap on aka bars and rudder side handles.  One thing to note is the 2013 trampolines were upgraded with bigger buckles.  I agree with your comments.

You are right Mel, I have a 2011 adventure. A senior moment. 

For 2012 to 2014 AI's, I am not aware of any major upgrades.  I guess Hobie is putting their research and development (R&D) efforts into the 2015 model with the major upgrades.

I've never run my AI w/o the sail & both ama's.  One of these days I'll have to try it without all the extras.

I guess implicit in this discussion is that Hobie will no longer offer an Adventure without the island package. I'm glad I got the Adventure when I could---my wife would have killed me if I'd gone for the full AI...

I guess implicit in this discussion is that Hobie no longer offer an Adventure without the island package. I'm glad I got the Adventure when I could---my wife would have killed me if I'd gone for the full AI...

h


The Adventure was renamed the Revo16. It's no longer made to convert to an Adventure Island but other than that it's still like the old Adventure.