Hobie outback AI conversion questions!!

I'm also curious if how you would right the ship in the (unlikely) event that it should turtle. On the AI, the amas fold in, which would seem to be necessary to untip it over.

I'm also curious if how you would right the ship in the (unlikely) event that it should turtle. On the AI, the amas fold in, which would seem to be necessary to untip it over.

Harbor patrol or Coast Guard.  I just don't see anyone righting that thing with the motor attached. 

Seen some guy at HMB that needed rescue from harbor patrol, he had a kayak with outrigger and motor that flipped and no way he was going to right that thing even with help.  I think fishcomb was there and he tried to help the guy but he insisted on waiting for harbor patrol as it has happened before. 

Not to be a downer but you're underestimating the power of a 2.x hp gas motor.

Ok I guess I just have a different concept of power.

Anyways, I'm curious as to where you got the aluminum conduit.

Rigid aluminum is readily available at most electrical supply houses.  It's used mostly in industrial environments where galvanized steel wouldn't fare well.

I'm also curious if how you would right the ship in the (unlikely) event that it should turtle. On the AI, the amas fold in, which would seem to be necessary to untip it over.

Harbor patrol or Coast Guard.  I just don't see anyone righting that thing with the motor attached. 

Seen some guy at HMB that needed rescue from harbor patrol, he had a kayak with outrigger and motor that flipped and no way he was going to right that thing even with help.  I think fishcomb was there and he tried to help the guy but he insisted on waiting for harbor patrol as it has happened before.

While I'll admit I've never tried it, I see three ways:

• Use a rope attached to the ama, climb onto the overturned hull, stand up & lean back windsurf style.  I'm quite certain this would work.  This is how you right a hobie cat.
• The akas are secured with hitch pins.  Attach rope to the motor.  Pull the pins & slide the akas out.  Flip boat.  Use rope to haul motor up & reinstall
• The amas are secured with bungees. Attach rope to the end of the aka. Pull the bungees & release the ama. Let the weight turn the boat on it's side.  Floating with the ama, pull the rope to flip the boat upright.  Reinstall ama.

This is a good conversation.  I'll have to try these out. 

One thing I do know is I'm safer and way more comfortable out on the water with the ama than without.  My GF & I were in SC one time & stayed out a little too late.  Coming back into harbor we ran into a decent swell & flipped - way more easily than expected.  She wouldn't go back out on the water until I showed her how stable this setup was.  I take on the same sized waves now without a second thought.  I'll risk the turtling.

Hey James,
If you're interested in alternative mounting method:  Mounting directly to the aka worked great for me.  It takes some minor fab skills but in the end is super simple & adjustable. 
The mount is 1-1/2" x 4" x 1/8" wall extruded aluminum from Alan Steel in RWS.  Held on with 3 hose clamps.  The slots in the aluminum were milled but could be dremeled if you had the patience. 
In reality, the hoseclamps provide more than enough strength as-is.  I planned the torque rod before I knew just how weak the Suzuki 2.5 was.  The torque rod is solid aluminum with ball joints meant for kicker motor steering.
Pics:

nice setup. questions..
what are the mounts that are holding the crossbar to the kayak?
what are you using for an AMA?

I'm also curious if how you would right the ship in the (unlikely) event that it should turtle. On the AI, the amas fold in, which would seem to be necessary to untip it over.

Harbor patrol or Coast Guard.  I just don't see anyone righting that thing with the motor attached. 

Seen some guy at HMB that needed rescue from harbor patrol, he had a kayak with outrigger and motor that flipped and no way he was going to right that thing even with help.  I think fishcomb was there and he tried to help the guy but he insisted on waiting for harbor patrol as it has happened before.

I'd say that some kind of quick release or folding mechanism is essential.