Revo 16 and Ai thoughts

I know I'm going to hear about the dark side blah blah blah, but now that I'm no longer tied to any brand, I was thinking about a larger peddle yak for offshore trolling. I'm a full size adult male, and was not comfortable in the outback.
Give me your thoughts about these yaks, and please don't try to "SELL" me on the brands. Just looking for real info Frome those of you who actually have these boats.
Thanks for any real feedback
See ya soon,
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I got the AI because I like being able to configure it in various ways, depending on the fish I'm targeting.  I can use it like a Revo 16, use it with one AMA, or use it fully rigged with a sail.  I also like to take my girl/family out fishing with me once in a while, while they chill on my trampoline.  The AI is fast no matter how you configure it.

The only con for me is that it is heavy.  I think the hull alone is 102 lbs., fully rigged 185 lbs.?  Carrying it over your head, by yourself, is close to impossible without any handles to grab onto. The only handles I have on my 2016 are the ones for the bow and stern. 

If you want to save a little cash, try to get your hands on the 2015 instead of the 2016.  I think the only difference are the thru hull fittings.  You can get the new seat and not have to pay the price of the 2016.  You are free to demo my 2016 AI whenever you're in my area or at GSX, just let me know.

Here's something I learned from a guided fishing trip we conducted with first timers.  Do not let first timers fish from a Revo 16!  It's not stable enough for them and with the higher seats, it makes it easier for them to flip it over. 

As Jason said, the AI provides great flexibility.  I have really liked using the one aka/ama set-up as it provides great stability, a nice platform to store fish and I like the surface profile when viewed from below.  I like having the added stability on the salt, but I really appreciate it because I fish solo a good deal during winter in the Sierra with low water temps. With or without the aka/amas it's a great trolling option.

One note on the Outback.  I had a 2012/13 and the cockpit was too tight and cramped even when I had the drive set at its max setting of "7".   I now have a 2015 model, with the new seat/drive there is more leg room and I run the drive set on "6" - it's way more comfortable.  I've been using it alot this winter for trout trolling and have been pleased.  Several 8-10 hour days in the cockpit and it has been comfortable.  Not as fast or efficient as the AI/Revo16 but more than plenty fast for salmon trolling.  Might want to try one of the newer model Outbacks if interested in a boat that size.

Good luck!   

My thoughts mirror Str8FishiN and Bird.  I like the fact that it's modular.  I can fish from it as just a kayak (normally how I roll).  But, for crabbing (or in rough waters), I use one ama (outrigger).  I slap a wooden platform (instead of tramps) on the ama and stack my crab traps on it.  Also, I've leaned out onto the wooden platform to sit on it and stretch every once in a while or eat lunch.

The problem I have when fully rigged for sailing is that I forget to fish.  If the wind suddenly picks up, I pull my line in and go sailing.  I have yet to try trolling while on sail, but others have been successful.  Someday I'll focus enough to do it, but it's tough when you get up to speed... too damn fun to stop.  If it's too windy to comfortably go fishing, you can just go sailing.  The more experienced AI owners can tell you about staying out longer when conditions turn to snot, and they can range out farther than most kayakers could do comfortably.

There are minor negatives for me.  I find it a pain in the butt for me to load everything up onto my truck, secure everything, then unload everything when I get to the launch, then do it again when I leave and rig it all up again at home to rinse everything before I put it away. I have limited driveway space.  Obviously not going to be a big deal for you since you're right at the Cove.

Also, the rudder assembly design has an issue (not an issue with the "old" twist and flip rudder).  The rudder mount is attached to the hull and if you happen to break the rudder fin, you can still steer because the mounting assembly itself acts like a rudder.  The downside of this failsafe design is that if you choose to paddle the kayak, there's no way to lock the assembly into position, so you're constantly having to stop paddling and steer the rudder.  It's an annoyance that came to light when I was paddling through a very large kelp bed.   

Another negative is that the new AI's are heavy bastards.  But since you're not manhandling it onto a roof rack, it's likely not an issue.  Good luck!

 Definitely heavy which made me get a trailer for it.  Kinda defeated the purpose of quick and easy, less gear and let's just catch fish.  But then again once you finally get the AI in the water, fully loaded, Fun begins.  I use one outrigger n tramp when I fished TC.

Thanks for the input guys, I'm still in the thinking stage, and the weight is not going to be an issue. If I go this route, it will be just for trolling and reaching distant reefs. One of my main concerns would be the fit for a larger angler. As mentioned above, the outback had no leg room and was very uncomfortable for even a short time. And of course, the $$$ is also an issue.
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A used 2011-2 AI is about the same as a new revo/outback. I've had mine for about 5 years and can't imagine fishing with anything else (besides a boat).

The first time I took her out for a spin was out of Mbay and trolled for salmon at the point. I ran into Rey on that first trip and it also shows how easy and intuitive it is to use right away. When I use to use the sail a lot, being able to troll and stare at the rod w/out worrying about paddling/pedaling was a game changer -- brought on a huge grin too.

I don't think that you have to transport it far in your new place, but I car-top the entire AI assembled on an element.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBwGL3EIjEY/

The more I read about the AI, the more I want it.

Atwood makes a great seat that fits 2014 & older AI's.
I also wouldn't rule out a Revo13. Better primary stability & a great all around boat.

Still getting to know my AI, But it is wicked fun when the wind comes up. Tried sail trolling  as wind picked up, was trolling better than tuna speed as the lure skipped across the surface,  I realized I have never caught a flying trout  , reeled up and and sailed  .    Carry mine on top of my Truck, and Yes it is a Heavy SOB.    For me best investment I have made in a while. Cant wait to get it out in the the Big Blue.

If the OB was cramped the AI might feel worse.  Plus the AI is much more of a wet ride than the OB.  That said, I do find the AI with one outrigger plenty comfortable, more stable than you could ever imagine.  Much more comfortable to me in fact than my new OB with the new seat.    But it takes a little more time to setup and tear down as well.

you said you were going the other way to something lighter in your advanced years....

Thanks again for all the in put, if anyone is bringing either to GS, I would definitely like to check them out.
Mike,
You are correct, but this boat will never need to be lifted, it will be towed the short distance (maybe 1/4 mile) to the ramp and then back to the garage. Probably never completely torn down either ;0)

And when I say tow, time mean like this
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