Anouther AI on site

I have the new rudder on a new hull, and also had the old rudder on an old hull.
The new one is worlds, WORLDS, better at turning and holding a line under heavy sail (two fingers on the tiller only!)
My understanding is that the v1 upgrade kit has the old aka and crossbars. I actually need new crossbars, but can't decide whether I should go to the new ones due to concerns with the knuckles.

What Keith told me was he came back from the Hobie factory this week and saw a crap load of the old kits in inventory. He thought it would take Hobie at least a couple of seasons to be able to sell all the v1 kits. Since I was not aware of a v2 kit, I didn't ask whether I had the option of buying the v2 kit.

On a side note, I just lined up some buyers for my T13, so AI here I come  Hope the wife would let me sleep in the bedroom tonight.

Earnest

I am having it out with Hobie on the v 2 kit. Will post up when they respond.

Scott

good luck Scott hope it all works out for you I hate issues 

Pat R

Maybe Hobie should come out with separate pricing for the V1 vs V2. Let market pricing handle the older conversion inventory.

I have the newer aka arms with my 2011 AI and they work quite well. One issue that I do have with the set is a sticky push button release (stern/right side). I use a small C-clamp to squeeze the side buttons in while I pull the aka arm out. The other 3 releases work well and I can separate them by myself.



 



   

Maybe Hobie should come out with separate pricing for the V1 vs V2. Let market pricing handle the older conversion inventory.

I have the newer aka arms with my 2011 AI and they work quite well. One issue that I do have with the set is a sticky push button release (stern/right side). I use a small C-clamp to squeeze the side buttons in while I pull the aka arm out. The other 3 releases work well and I can separate them by myself.

I know that V2 akas are supposed to be better and stronger, but they can develop some play in the riveted knuckles, and they can get sticky when removing at the end of the day.  However, there's no need for a C-clamp -- just grab the aka arm by the L-shape bend and twist to unstick the buttons.

The V1 akas are a more simply design that don't have those issues.

Maybe Hobie should come out with separate pricing for the V1 vs V2. Let market pricing handle the older conversion inventory.

I have the newer aka arms with my 2011 AI and they work quite well. One issue that I do have with the set is a sticky push button release (stern/right side). I use a small C-clamp to squeeze the side buttons in while I pull the aka arm out. The other 3 releases work well and I can separate them by myself.   

The V1 serves its purpose and have heard no issues. I have yet to have the sticky issue on the V2. My 2-cent... keep it clean, lube a little and leave no grease... preventive maintenance.

As for the rudder design here's what Hobie has to say:

"The new rudder no longer employs the "Twist and Stow" system. The rudder blade simply rotates straight down for sailing and straight up for storage. This straight (versus a twist) rotation allows the rudder to more easily be held in the down position by the rope controls for sailing. The rudder can be used partially deployed, which allows for shallow water steering during launches and landings, thereby giving more positive control of the boat. The rudder foil shape is thicker, which provides better rudder response as well as increased strength. The new system has been well tested and feedback from users has been tremendous—a vast improvement for our Island products!
Boats built or in inventory at Hobie Cat Company as of April 11, 2011 have had the new rudder system installed."

There's quite a few reports on pin breakage with the twist and stow for AI. It's a cool design for the Adventure but straight U&D rudder serves it's purpose for sailing. I just make sure my down string is cleated. So ChuckE, it's time to install your upgrade.
 
Here's a link for San Luis Reservoir info: http://www.danblanton.com/blog/san-luis-reservoir-stripers-on-the-fly/

Sailin', Fishin', Chillin' Let's do it, AI'ers!!!!!!

LL

CONGRATS... Pat!!!!!
Let's do a big AI sailing/fishing hook-up!
The list of guys I know with Hobie AI's is growing:
(Currently @ 15)

PatR
Hai/Nudling
John (Hai's buddy)
Francis/John's buddy
Rudy/Halibu77
Tim/Cobaltgruv
Rey/LapuLapu
SteveS
Danny/SuperD270
MistralWind
MattS
Chris/Kingfisher
Lino/Tailwalk
Zee @ NWKA
ChuckE

Did I miss anyone?

I also know a few guys getting ready to pull the trigger on one

Go get it Mel!  We all can sail for the PIF on Jul 21.  That would be a heck of a photo shoot.

Go get it Mel!  We all can sail for the PIF on Jul 21.  That would be a heck of a photo shoot.

Is that really Mel? Looks like a variation of his username.

For the stick arm, move the arm all the way to the front and back. I've had it happen to me a few times and this would free it. I even had to car-top the yak upside down when one of the rear arms wouldn't come out!

Go get it Mel!  We all can sail for the PIF on Jul 21.  That would be a heck of a photo shoot.

Is that really Mel? Looks like a variation of his username.

For the stick arm, move the arm all the way to the front and back. I've had it happen to me a few times and this would free it. I even had to car-top the yak upside down when one of the rear arms wouldn't come out!

Oh yeah that might not be him.  Just noticed that.  The arm, is that the alum tubing that holds the amas?  Is that a new headache with the new design?

Can I ask where all you guys been buying these AI's?   

Can I ask where all you guys been buying these AI's?   

'

I bought mine at CCK in Oakland.  It was a demo AI.

Can I ask where all you guys been buying these AI's?   

'

I bought mine at CCK in Oakland.  It was a demo AI.

+1  I was able to find one in the 916 area for less than MSRP and they price matched.

Be careful about buying an AI out of state. I'm assuming that you would have to show your receipt if you have to register it. 

Sunrise Mountain just because I got free tramps.

PatR