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Another New TI Report
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=26781
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Author:  dosjers [ Tue May 31, 2011 7:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

The TI must plane to get the speeds that I have seen sailing mine. The maximum theoretical hull speed of the boat before planing is 5.8 knots or 6.6 mph. I have hit 9 & 10 mph on a number of occasions so it must be getting on plane.

Author:  KayakingBob [ Tue May 31, 2011 8:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

I calculated the TI speed to be about 8mpg, but also plane it up over 10 often.

Author:  IslandHoppa27 [ Tue Jun 07, 2011 7:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

Pete,

Finished up my trailer last week, it cost me about $400 total. I picked up my new Dune TI from Next Adventure in Portland on Thursday and went Sailing Friday and Saturday on Lacamas Lake about 2 minutes from my house. Lots of fun and lots more to learn!

Folding the Harbor Freight Trailer is probably a non-starter. Taking the fastening bolts out to fold up the Harbor Freight trailer is way too much work, in my opinion. Not to mention if you have added the 3/4" plywood deck, 4x4 beams and 4'x8' Poly Lattice for the TI Cradle.

The best reasons for having a trailer for your TI are:

1. Don't need to take off the amas, just drive up the the water, install the seats, step the mast, drop in the drives and go! Even an ancient rookie like me can do it in 10 minutes.

2. No need to remove the TI from the trailer to store it, the bunk will cradle your baby nice and soft, no worries about deformation when storing on a rack, etc. I ordered a cover to protect my TI during transport and storage.

3. Easy to change vehicles (my wife prefers to take her car when we travel) so I can use any car with a 1-7/8" hitch ball. I priced getting two sets of roof racks and it was more than I paid to build my trailer, not to mention that then I'd have to buy and rig a Garage Gator to lift it.

4. No massive strain getting the TI up and down from the roof. It's about 200lb loaded up. The trailer is high enough to allow me to install the cart in the rear scuppers and just slide her off the trailer. I know you youngsters are happy to flex your muscles but I save my strength for the tennis court.

I haven't tried just launching directly from the trailer into the water from a ramp, last weekend was way too crowded at the lake. Once I get good at that launching and loading will be about 5 minutes each.

5. Less danger of damage loading/unloading (both to myself and my TI). Also probably will get better mileage towing than car topping.

I'll post some photos when I figure out how to do it on this site.

Author:  PeteS [ Wed Jun 08, 2011 4:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

Hey iHop,

Thanks for the update! Lacamas Lake looks like a good place to start (just checked it out on Google maps). Post pictures of the trailer, when you get the chance, and of course Lacamas Lake.

Happy sailing and fair winds.

Author:  DogsLife [ Wed Jun 08, 2011 4:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

My trailer is also a Harbor Freight Trailer. Only difference is that i bought the Small boat Trailer that is much longer so there is less overhang.
Image

I also have some removable frames that allow me to carry both Hobie boats.Image

Author:  IslandHoppa27 [ Fri Jun 10, 2011 1:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

I finished the trailer last Wednesday, cost about $400 to put it all together, got the new Dune TI the next day and sailed it three times in the first week. Well, technically, only sailed twice as yesterday there was no wind. It's still fun just to use the Mirage Drives. I'll make a new post tomorrow with photos and comments on the trailer and the TI and my fun and foibles.

Author:  IslandHoppa27 [ Sun Jun 12, 2011 11:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

Update on my trailer:

One thing I like about my design is the 4x8 lattice fully supports the amas:
Image
Image

It did have one serious weakness, it lacked support at the rear end. I had been removing my TI and using the scupper cart for launching. The pressure on the lattice caused it to break under the strain of loading (I dropped it during one of my first uses:
Image

Here's the very simple fix: drilled 3/4" holes in the end of the 4x4's and put a piece of 1/2" metal conduit with a piece of large pool noodle to make a support for loading and unloading.

Image

Yesterday I finally launched the TI directly from the trailer. Worked perfect.

I use three 1" straps to hold it to the trailer, really works great.

Author:  GR82Sail [ Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

Great job on the trailer, much cheaper than a custom ordered trailer and all the same functionality. I was wondering how far dose your TI hang behind the end of the trailer?

Author:  IslandHoppa27 [ Tue Jun 14, 2011 5:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

Thanks It's an 8' trailer bed. The TI extends 5-6' off the back. It launches great but i need to work on loading improvements. When trailer is hub deep the bunk is still 4" above water.

Author:  GR82Sail [ Tue Jun 14, 2011 10:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

I see,

Perhaps you could create some vertical poles or rods at the rear of the trailer. This way you could back it a bit farther into the water and the boat would stay centered. From this point if you could attach the the boat near the tounge some how then you could drive up the ramp and strap her down. Just some thoughts. Still looks good.

Have fun and Fair winds

Author:  IslandHoppa27 [ Sat Jun 18, 2011 6:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

My "solution" was to buy a pair of Teva waterproof sandals and just wade into the water to load it onto the trailer. My only concern is the bearings on the Harbor Freight hubs. Not sure how often I need to check them, repack them, etc. The manual says every 2000 miles but that's going to be a very long time since I launch about 1 mile from home.

Author:  PeteS [ Sun Jun 19, 2011 8:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

Hey iHop,

Great info regarding your trailer built. Repacking boat trailer bearings depends upon frequency and location. How often are they submerged? and what kind of water? Living in the mechanically harsh saltwater climate of coastal Florida, I repack my bearings several times per year (job takes about 20 minutes). Friend of mine just keeps a grease gun handy, and injects more grease every time he dunks his trailer. Keep in mind, these are for bigger trailers. Many boaters down here have "boat yard trailers", which they often do not maintain. They usually last for years, never leaving the boat yard. However, they have the potential to collapse on the boat mound. The usual ensuing 3 hour drama is quite amusing, not to mention the $$ signs associated to such events.

Bearing the above in mind, maintenance probably depends upon your level of detail, patience and how far you intend to take your trailer/boat. Fresh water significantly lowers the abuse the trailer takes.

Author:  johnmcneely [ Tue Jul 19, 2011 5:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

IslandHoppa27 wrote:
Wow, I'd love to hear more about the Harbor Freight TI Trailer you built. Please give us some detailed photos and confirm it's the one on sale for $289.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1195-lb-ca ... 90154.html


I bought a utility trailer from Overstock.com for $211. At the time shipping was free. I had to assemble it and buy a piece of steel to extend the tongue and installed pads. But so far so good. Those trailers are still available but not sure about shipping.

John

Author:  IslandHoppa27 [ Tue Jul 19, 2011 11:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

John,

Send some photos when you've got it rigged to carry your yak.

Author:  1776 [ Sat Aug 01, 2015 5:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another New TI Report

I recently purchased a used 2008 AI. I have been sailing it for a few weeks off 2nd beach in Middletown RI. This area gets rough and has surf to get through. I've have a Hobie 16 for 15 years and have parts of a 32' VAL Trimaran for a future project. I was considering a TI, but the weight was a killer for me. When you get to the point of needing a trailer, a lot of options open up. Consider something like a Windrider for a Multihull comparison. The AI works, but will need fine tuning on the seat and a tiller handle extension. Moving the seat to the forward holes was very uncomfortable due to a loss of seat height and back support. All in all, it's a fairly well designed beach toy. I have also had a Mirage Classic for over 12 years which was purchased for my wife who has had three shoulder surgeries due to the stresses of being a nurse. We're usually the only ones with a Hobie Peddle Kayak and get a lot of lookers and questions, but rarely see anyone that will go out and purchase one.

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