I'm in the AI club now!

I ended up picking up a Papaya AI on Monday.  It's a 2009 and in really good condition.  I'm super stoked about it!  I've done my searches and have some ideas on rigging already, but...

Anyone have suggestions on tramp makers?  Are the ones on E-Bay of sufficient quality to support the weight of an adult? 

What about spray shields?  I saw Halibu77's youtube video and thought his shield looked pretty damn good compared to others I've seen that are connected to tip of the bow.

Any tips you'd like to share with a Newbie?   Man.. can't wait to take it out!!

Here's a quick snap shot I took as I was moving stuff around in my garage to fit this beast.

Nice buy mark. That thing looks mint for a 2009

Didn't you just buy a new van recently too?

Thanks Tony.  Yeah, it was used as a demo and then the second owner bought it but hardly ever used it.  The hull has never seen a rocky beach or been dragged over a rough surface.

The minivan isn't that new... I just keep forgetting to put on the plates    BUT, I'm going to put them on right noooooow...

Forget tramps and build a set of hakas, go to the Hobie forum site and you'll find a 70page or so thread on them!

I split a pair of the Amish tramps on eBay with Ben and use it all the time. They will support an adult although after a couple of years, one of the buckles started to slip and I had to replace it. I wrote an article on how to sail the AI. I wouldn't get the spray shields. I do like the PatR scotty rod mounts.

Welcome!  I prefer the Hobie tramps myself.  Yes they are pricier. I bought the ebay tramps and spray shield and sold them to another member.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11gMWwXbT03LUJ5MHU2SGpJbVE/edit?pli=1

There are some great deals for the AI boats and with the two ads I found last week both mentioned them as having been used less than a half dozen times.
Definitely a lot more manageable and easier to store than a Hobie 16 cat.