AI/TI questions

There are a few other minor things that I'd recommend to "harden" the AI, making certain failure modes less likely to occur on the water. I'm not sure how many of these things are relevant on a 2015 and newer AI, so I won't mention them here. But if you get an older AI, I'd be glad to post more details.

I'm interested to hear more details. ...

Here are pictures of a few minor mods. Not much of this is original to me, as most of it came from the Hobie forum, where people who sail AI/TIs a lot (and at speed) like to stay upright as much as possible.

The 1st picture shows my safety ropes when I'm not sailing, and the 2nd picture hows it deployed for sailing mode. In truth, I usually only put it into sailing mode when moving at a decent speed.

The red string in the 3rd picture prevents the aka from falling out in case it should disengage. While I like the simplicity of the snap-in aka bar, they are known to sometimes slip out at inopportune moments.

In the 4th picture, I've put some fender washers over the spectra where it attaches to the rudder. It's not unheard of for the line to break at the point where it's attached to the bolt, and the washer may reduce the risk of that happening.

The 5th and 6th picture show the double bungees on the aka bars (I believe that is standard on post-2015 AI/TI, but definitely not on pre-2015 AIs). For the front aka bar (5th picture) I used an existing post and put a second bungee thru that black plastic dohickey. That's a little bit challenging. The rear one (6th picture) is easier, as I just replaced the black plastic doohickey with one that includes a built-in padeye (did need to drill a hole in the center of it though).

Thanks for the rigging details, NowhereMan. Do you not like to use tramps? Seems like they would do the same job as the safety ropes, if I'm understanding how they work.

Thanks for all the input

The thing about the plastic pin came up after looking at this video, the fail happened on open water so that’s what got me thinking titanium



There’s another video where a guy is launching through pretty small surf and the pin snaps and he flounders   Guess I need to go and look at the boats to see what’s going on there

Basically I don’t want to drive someplace and not launch if conditions aren’t perfect, have done that maybe twice in my life

I watched Chet land in respectable surf at Bolinas so I know it can be done, but he’s got the petrol power so maybe can outrun the break

They look like they can handle conditions which is at the top of the list but also look a little vulnerable to taking on water

The only other thing is how easy it would be to handle if you capsize The Stealth is a piece of cake to deal with even in bad conditions, just flip it over and climb back on

Big change from my minimalist style, but minimalist you have to be in shape and life took a different turn  Feels like jumping religions

Today I showed my son the Hobies and he wants me to go for the TI, would be fun for sure but there’s the problem of storage and lifting on my own for fishing solo

Been busy w work, home improvements etc so will read through all this good info now

Thanks again

Thanks for the rigging details, NowhereMan. Do you not like to use tramps? Seems like they would do the same job as the safety ropes, if I'm understanding how they work.

I don’t have tramps, which might work just as well. But I like to be able to fold in the amas on the water (better for landing a big fish, necessary to right a capsized boat, etc.). I’m planning to build haka benches, and the design I have in mind will retain fold-ability, so I’ll keep the safety ropes, even with the benches.

The same dilemma (to AI or TI) was weighing on my mind heavily last year.  I ended up going with the TI because wanted my lady and other friend to be able to join me.  After connecting with other kayak fishermen since then, can see how there's other ways to enjoy company.  All things considered though I'm very happy having a TI - no looking back.

Everyone has given a good assessment of the pros/cons.  The major disadvantage of the TI is certainly the weight and transport.  I got a trailer for my TI and it's really not bad to launch and move around - especially if someone else is around.  About 70% of the time I'm sailing or fishing solo and still do not have issues moving it - but it takes some energy.

In the water the TI can handle some wild seas, assuming AI can as well.  The bigger size is nice to have for me personally.  Especially for camping trips from SF to Angel Island loaded with gear (600+ lb weight limit is nice).  Guess it's mostly personal preference which route you go - just make sure it's an island!!! And life will be good

One thing I picked up over the years if you love rough seas the difference between 16 and 18 ft seems small but means something, just like hull shape does

Of the three yaks I have owned, two of which are 16 ft and the Stealth at 18 ft handles things best when things get rough

Of course that’s an oversimplification there are other factors but it’s like geometry of bike frames

Biggest things for me will be the weight, and where to put the thing and transporting etc

I lost a lot of strength over the past few years from some not minor health escapades that are cramping my style

At this point I need the pedaling time and you can’t catch salmon on a bicycle


The AngelIsland adventure is a great sales point for the family so thanks for that

Why not just get Hobie Revo 16? Seems like a logical transition from your paddle yaks to a long slender peal yak

Like I said above, Paul is not really looking for anything pro/con of Hobie Islands.
He only wants confirmation. 

I’m already looking at accessories

At moss i probably paddled 30 miles, the last 5 or 6 coming in was brutal. Even 5 years ago it wasnt a big deal but that was then  Now it’s brain says go and body says no

Also some videos out there showing people sailing looks pretty exciting and it would be fun to land a beach

More than anything else I would love to take a nap out on the ocean

Haha yes do it.

More than anything else I would love to take a nap out on the ocean

Here you go...

I realize this is a little off topic from your post, but I'm a new member & don't see any option for me to make a new post or start a new topic.
I'm trying to get info to contact Pat R. so I can order some Scotty cross bar mounts to mount an outboard motor on my Hobie A.I.
It would be much appreciated if someone would post the info or send me a p.m.

I realize this is a little off topic from your post, but I'm a new member & don't see any option for me to make a new post or start a new topic.
I'm trying to get info to contact Pat R. so I can order some Scotty cross bar mounts to mount an outboard motor on my Hobie A.I.
It would be much appreciated if someone would post the info or send me a p.m.

Just send PatR a PM. Look him up in the directory.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’m sure the Pat R. amounts are great, but I have not tried them so can’t comment from personal experience. I do have a few of the Railblaza mounts, and really like them—easy to customize too.

https://www.austinkayak.com/Railblaza-RailMount-32/ACK10751P.html