Hold on to your hats!, Chief is entered with a Hobie Adventure Island for the EC2013. See roster. http://www.watertribe.com/Events/ShowRosters.aspx
Welcome to Island world Chief,
JollyRoger
Hobie Islands in the EC2013
(31 posts) (13 voices)-
Posted 7 years ago #
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I'm loving my Hobie AI! Although I hated to give up the comfort of the Kruger Dreamcatcher, the Mirage Drive, roller furling sail, clip in/out mast, and swinging amas are a game changer for me. My setup time went from about an hour to about 5 minutes. I can pedal direct into the wind or "motor" sail when tacking. If the wind is sort of iffy, the sail can be furled and unfurled in seconds. Going under a low bridge is super easy: furl the sail and pull the mast - simple and fast. Pulling up to a dock is easy too: unclip the aka brace and swing the ama in, step onto the dock.
Another big factor is my left elbow was injured last year before the NCC. I tried P90X2 and tore up some connective tissue while doing pushups on medicine balls. It is healing but still a factor. Paddling almost the entire NCC didn't help. I can paddle if I have to, but now I have the Mirage Drive.
Some people say that storage is an issue, but I find that my kit fits just fine.
I do have to upgrade my paddling clothes to account for the wet ride. And I have to do something about the seat. Can't wait to get the Fishfinder/Chartplotter/GPS installed.
You fast movers don't have to worry about me and my training. I follow all training sessions with my secret post workout recovery drink - one or two cans of Foster's Premium Ale depending on the intensity of the workout. This keeps me in perfect "shape."
Posted 7 years ago # -
Those of you using Hobie AIs or even the tandem ought to consider building a set of hakas. They don't have the wind risk of tramps and allow use of a paddle. And, they can easily carry things not conveniently placed in the hull. You can see my latest version at http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=7276&p=200479#p200479
If necessary, scroll down (or up) to my haka construction description.
Here is a picture of my AI (heavily loaded) for a trip out of Flamingo.
A close up of haka use. I now have a RailBlaza mount for my GPS.
Keith
Posted 7 years ago # -
The Chief has finally seen the light.
Hobie has a Island Club for sharing ideas and trips that is usually location specific. I have been thinking about starting a Hobie Watertribe Island Club. I think it will provide more publicity to bring more Islands into the race. It could also be a share site for long distance voyaging on AI/TI...
Posted 7 years ago # -
Thanks for the link regarding hakas. I've used hakas on several of my previous boats going back to my CLC Sailing Kayak, Tridarka Raider and more. It's a great idea going back hundreds if not thousands of years. Many thanks to Chekika for that link which also led me to NOHUHU's 47 page thread on the subject. I've also been checking out CaptnChaos's version. I am planning to build my own version, but don't know if I will have the time before the EC kicks off.
I'm also looking for storage methods. Does anyone have input on stowing stuff in the rear hatch? I am worried about stuff interferring with or damaging the rudder lines. I don't want to store anything out on the hakas. Well, maybe a Watershed Aleutian deck bag might go out there. Except for that, all storage has to go in or on the vaka.
At this time I'm stowing my sleep system and shelter system in the forward hatch. The stuff is in multiple waterproof bags. I'm thinking of putting it all in one Watershed backpack to make transport from the boat to the campsite easier. Does anyone know if a Watershed Big Creek bag will fit the hatch?
Posted 7 years ago # -
Chief,
I think you could easily build a set of hakas before Mar 2. My 2nd set (see the link above) is easy to do. If I were not worried about appearance, I would even simplify that construction. I hope to post a diagram of a 3-board haka design which is light (10.5#/haka) and easy to build.
Regarding loading your AI stern hatch, I’ve had no problems putting items in the stern. The rules for the stern hatch are fairly obvious and simple: (1) only water proof items (the stern is where the water collects when you pull up on a beach), (2) nothing sharp which might damage the rudder lines, and (3) don’t fill the stern so full that things may tangle with the lines. I put my hand pump in the stern—convenient if you need it to pump out water. Plastic sand stakes go here. Pee bottle. A few qt bottles of Gatorade. One of the great discoveries I’ve made is that Rice Select plastic bottles are very water tight. I fill them with anything from hot chocolate packages to cookies to crackers. They fit nicely in the stern hatch opening.
Keith
Posted 7 years ago # -
Chief wrote:
At this time I'm stowing my sleep system and shelter system in the forward hatch. The stuff is in multiple waterproof bags. I'm thinking of putting it all in one Watershed backpack to make transport from the boat to the campsite easier. Does anyone know if a Watershed Big Creek bag will fit the hatch?
The Watershed Big Creek bag is the ideal bag to carry on a haka. That is where I would put it.
The problem with the front hatch on camping trips is the tendency to force large items, e.g., large bags, and damage the hatch seal. If that happens, you will have a serious leak. The design of the hull on an AI is to cut through waves rather than ride over waves. In choppy conditions, the AI has large amounts of water regularly running over the bow and over the front hatch. If the front hatch seal is leaking you can get 1-3 gal of water in your boat during a normal 4 hr sail. If you are out for 12-14 hrs in those conditions, I don't even want to think about the amount of water you might take on.
The 2nd thing that a long-distance traveler has to avoid with an AI is over-stuffing the front hatch. ANY upwards pressure on the front hatch cover will cause major hull flooding when sailing in choppy conditions. If you must force your front hatch cover down to close it, you are inviting major water intrusion through the hatch. Just don't do it.
The Hobie AI front hatch seals (2) are marginal at best. The Hobie AI/TI forum is dotted with ideas of a better designed front hatch seal. I have my own front hatch seal design--http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=46308 While my design is a bit fragile, I have no doubt it will seal the front hatch. This seal is going to get a realistic and serious test when I do my solo Flamingo to Chokoloskee trip starting this Sunday, Mar 17.
Keith
Posted 7 years ago # -
At this time, all my sleep system and shelter system stuff fits in the front hatch without any pushing or shoving. There is plenty of room. If it gets restuffed into a Watershed Big Creek it should all fit in one pack. The dimensions of that pack are 24" x 10" x 6" so it should fit but until it is actually done I can't say for sure. Of course I can always just keep using the Sea to Summit waterproof stuff sacks. On the maiden voyage, no water got in the boat from the front hatch. A very small amount got in from the center hatch due to just opening and closing while underway. I had several waves over the bow.
Pee bottle in the back hatch!!!! That will never work.
I might also use a Big Creek in the cargo area along with my Hobie day bag.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Chief,
I do not usually keep too much weight/stuff in the rear hatch. What I have there is my repair tool box in the Hobie hatch box. The area under the rear storage well us full of foam blocks for extra flotation and to keep from loosing stuff. The outboard sides of the well are filled with spare Gatoraide bottles. Under the rear hatch my shore Clogs and toilet paper. Keep any weight out of the ends to reduce pitching. I stuffed some air packs from mail order packaging into the end to keep things out of there.
Bow storage is 100% watertight. I installed a watertight bulkhead just behind the mast, made from kayak foam. Bow storage has my camping gear. Tent, pad, stove and food. Cold weather and sleeping clothes.
I carry two dry bags in the rear cargo area. One bag is sleeping bag and more less used clothing. Other bag is my dry suit, spray top/bottom warm weather clothes, cold weather base layers, cold weather sweater and bottom.
Center hatch stowage area: to keep things from drifting under the rear well I stuffed a pool noodle athwart ship behind the seat well. This area has all my day food, water bottles electronics box, emergency box (VHF, Flares, signal lights). I use a lot of large peanut butter jars and other jars like Keith's rice container for storage.
The port/stbd net pockets are great for all the small things like sun glasses, suntan lotion, etc.
What ever system you come up with always use the same location. After 2000 miles on my boat I do not think about what is where. I can pack up my entire boat for EC in one hour. List of things stored in bow compartment is written on the underside of my bow hatch. Each dry bag has a list written on the outside.
Good luck...
Posted 7 years ago # -
Chief wrote:
Pee bottle in the back hatch!!!! That will never work.
I know it is difficult to let go of some of the things you learned to love about your Kruger Dreamcatcher, but your pee bottle in the cockpit is one that is going to go. My pee bottle goes in the back hatch because I only use it during the night in my tent.
Speaking of relieving yourself, be sure you have a drysuit/foul weather gear with a relief zipper. It is no fun to essentially undress in your AI cockpit to pee.
You are going to enjoy your AI most of the time.
Keith
Posted 7 years ago # -
Hobie has come out with a new hatch gasket design, it's not in the catalog yet. I got mine from Chris at Naples kayak. Good luck to all, got to work this year but hope to do NCC2013
Posted 7 years ago # -
ZeroTheHero
MemberI have never sailed an AI or TI so my opinions may not be worth much, but here goes. In numerous videos I have watched of these boats sailing burrying the bow has seemed to be a concern both upwind and down. I realize the stern compartment is not water tight but wouldn't it be better to balance the load? Maybe people are and I am just not getting it. In my packing plans I am trying to get heavy gear centered, or slightly forward of center and as close to center line as possible. Also we are utilizing several containers like the one Chekika pictured witht the rice. They are very close to water tight. For spray and water over the deck they are fine. Submerged for a while they leak a little. Not bad though.
Posted 7 years ago # -
ZTH--you are right that the Hobie Islands tend to bury the bow. This is especially true of the solo AI. It is a matter of boat design, but, not surprisingly, the heavier they are loaded the more submarining. That is one reason why it is very important to have a very good front hatch seal. Some owners say their AI or tandem does not leak. It may be true, but it is also possible that they have not really tested it. My idea of a leak test for the AI is to load it with 100-125# gear, add a 200# pilot, and then take it out in 15-18 mph winds with 1'-2' chop. If after 3-4 hrs, your boat has only a pt to a quart of water in the hull, that is very good. If it has a gallon of water or more, you need to find the leak and fix it. Dogslife has gone to great lengths to make his boat as water-tight as possible. So, all AI owners might check his boat out at Ft Desoto in a couple weeks.
Keith
Posted 7 years ago # -
Islander
MemberI have both an AI and a TI. I sail them weekly, although the TI more often lately.
In the summer months when it’s terribly hot, I like to use my AI to bust through the power boat wakes and swells. I routinely have water up around my waist. And yet, hardly a drop of water enters my AI. I keep a sponge in the bilge to soak up any water that gets in, and after several hours of playing around like this the best I’ve been able to do is get the bottom of the sponge just slightly damp.
Of course, this isn’t to suggest that others aren’t getting water in their AIs, just a mention that it is possible make an AI nearly watertight with a little work. Of course, no matter what, I still wouldn’t put anything I need to keep dry inside the hull without putting it in a dry bag first. Why risk it.
Posted 7 years ago # -
These are some good ideas for containers, I have learned the hard way not to trust drybags alone. Protein bars are uneatable after soaking in salt water!
Looking forward to seeing Chief's haka's if he gets them done. Cool idea converting it to a camp table Chekika.
Also wondering who in the Hobie Island class may be attempting the WW this year.
Roger
Posted 7 years ago # -
How about wide-mesh safety netting instead of board-hakas? Less windage and less weight. SailRite stuff, 2 feet wide.... --Wade
Posted 7 years ago # -
I guess it would be a trade off on which to use, tramps or hakas. I have the Hobie tramps and I like them and just stow in seconds when the wind gets up. It is nice to be able to sit and lay on them. Wider mesh would cut down on windage but limit the weight. Consider the Wilderness Waterway and I suppose the hakas would be harder but still doable. Just strap them to the ama's and tow.?
Roger
Posted 7 years ago # -
speck wrote:
Pee bottle?
When you're in your tent 3AM and not in the mood to crawl out into the sandy lair of the hungry noseeums and mosquitos. Priceless ....
I wouldn't think of sailing my AI without hakas. Best upgrade I ever made. You sit high and dry on them and can even sleep on them in a pinch. Hakas are great for gear storage on top or underneath and out of the way.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Is this sick? Just got back from 6-day Flamingo to Chokoloskee (would have been 7 but diarrea this morning cut it short) and the first thing I do is get on the computer to see what is new. Regarding hakas, I never have liked the idea of tramps. Too much worry when the wind is up. Also, I can't paddle because the tramps take up all the space next to the hull.
On my 6-day trip, I used my new hakas. I loved them. They effortlessly carried my tent/poles, kitchen bag, chair, 2 rod/reels, and a paddle. Every thing is bungeed on, no straps. In addition I use 2 Railblaza starports mounted on the hakas. The starports handle a holder for my GPS (in a dry bag)--easy viewing, and a rod holder for trolling underway. Then, the first thing I did when I hit camp is unload the tent/poles & kitchen bag from one haka, add legs, and I had a table. Putting my tent, kitchen bag, and chair on the hakas gave me a lot of room in the hull and made packing easy. I will be doing a trip report on my "expedition" thread with lots of pictures. For those of you who don't need hakas for the things mentioned above, tramps may be the way to go. For me, hakas are perfect.
Dogslife is emphatically right about 1 thing: the AI is a wet ride. The first day of my trip the temperature ran from 50 deg in the morning to a high of 60 deg with winds 15-20 mph, gusting to 28, out of the north. The second day was a bit warmer, but wetter than the first. I do 20-mile days and spend about 4-5 hrs on the water. Those of you doing the EC will probably need a very good dry suit--one which you don't mind putting on. It will pay big dividends if it is a bit cool and windy.
Dogslife--yes, you have to bungee most things on a haka. Is that different than a tramp? How do you keep things on tramps from washing or blowing away?
JollyRoger--other than Dogslife, who else is planning to do the WW for EC2013? If you did the WW with hakas and found a narrow stretch, I suppose you could dismount them, put them crosswise behind your seat, and carry the gear on them. What would you do with gear, if your tramps have to be folded up?
Keith
Posted 7 years ago # -
Chekika, My plans were to take off the amas and strap the mast and extra supplies to them and tow them threw the "nightmare" and beyond. My thoughts is that by towing I will not overload my main hull. If I need to "dragover" I can do so with a lighter boat and then trail it with the ama's supporting the mast, hakas or extra supplies that I may have.
roger
Posted 7 years ago # -
Wow, JR, it seems to me that your gear would be ballast and underwater most of the time. Have you tried your idea yet, i.e., pulling your amas behind like a raft? Now, you could make your system a much more stable by truly making a raft out of your amas and akas. You could use your akas to make a frame for your ama raft. Simply pull your akas w/ amas attached. Place your akas side by side and strap them firmly together. Another way to think of it is to pull your akas w/ amas attached. Slide your hull forward and away from them. Then, slide your akas together, side by side, strap the front akas together, and then the back akas. Your raft would be an aka width wide, although it could be more narrow. Ideally, you could still stretch a tramp across this raft frame to give you a platform for your gear.
Alternatively, if you did use hakas, you could place leave your amas folded back, place the hakas behind your seat, and place your gear on the hakas. It would be quick to set up and a very stable system.
Keith
Posted 7 years ago # -
Chekika, you are correct about the ama towing, it is certainly the best way to tow Hobie ama's. I did this and used my wisker pole extended and straped to the rear deck with the end of the pole just above and connected to the ama raft. This kept it close, trailing right behind and not getting snaged in tight turns.
Roger
There is good information in this thread as well for folks using Islands in the 2014 events, so bringing it back.
Posted 6 years ago # -
http://luckydog-newport16.blogspot.com/2011/04/ti-bulkhead.html
Pauls old blog about installing a bulkhead. My thoughts are that this would be very nice- Not to swamp your entire hull if you have one hatch fail or punch a hole in one part of the hull.
Roger
What is that tapped to the mast well? just curious!
Posted 6 years ago #
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