AI2 (aka AI Tandem) - Prototype to Production

Should know by late July... OR show.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

As soon as I am authorized to discuss any new product... I will. I typically post in the forums. Getting an early one would simply be a matter of stepping up and ordering from a dealer.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

When is the "show" you mention?

I have only found 1 piece of info about hobie at the or show this past week. Apparently, according to the http://kayakshed.blogspot.com/2009/07/outdoor-retailer-day-1-hobie.html, the Adventure Island Tandem will be available in January!!!!

Sounder AI

Thanks Sounder AI

There were some pretty cool things at the show. I like the Electric motor which appears to be usable on the rudder or with an adapter as a replacement for a mirage drive.
I wonder how well rudder pins last with a motor attached to the rudder? But in that configuration I bet it would scoot & still pop up if you struck something.
Peddle, paddle, sail or motor -
Specs on the motor thrust? does it use jell cells? adjustable speed?

Fiberglass paddles, air cushion in the back rest, peddle upgrade - All great stuff

There is a pic of the tandem Island - there is no "drooling smilie" to use or I'd use it

It would be really nice to have more specs, more pics of the tandem Island.

Wife & I love our Islands but have an real interest in Hobie's tandem version.

Well spotted Sounder!
I had been keeping an eye on the OR site but missed that info. The search function was useless.
The pic reveals better detail of the 3 batten sail:

(Admin removed image... Sorry guys... no photos are allowed on our site of this product. Not yet released)

Like Yakaholic, I too would like more info!
Any pics from those who actually went or were cameras banned?

Yes cameras were definitely frowned upon at the show, but I don't understand why Hobie wants to keep the AI2 a secret.
$4600 - available January was the info I heard.

We are not yet releasing information. The product is not consumer ready at this time.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Well, January is hardly a peak month for kayak sales. Even here in N. Florida Jan. & Feb. tend to have some raw, cold Nor'estr days. For me anyway I won't feel any need to rush a purchase in January except maybe a pre-order.

Hobie is likely still tweaking things on the AI2. For instance, I hope they have tramps available for it along with an "introductory price" like they did for the Island.

We are just so pleased with our Islands it is hard to imagine the AI2 being anything less than a huge hit.

Keep us fans updated on the progress

Hi,

I work for Backyard Boats in Annapolis Maryland and I was promised a prototype for the Annapolis Sailboat Show in Oct. Hobie does what they say they will do. I'm pretty sure you can get a look at one then.

I have not been promised a date that I will have them for sale. I am told that I will have them when Hobie decides they have gotten it right, and not before. Unlike so many manufacturers, Hobie does not experiment on it's customers by releasing new models and letting the buyer figure out what is wrong and how to fix it. For that I am very greatful.

For those of you close enough to get to that show, here is the link.

http://www.usboat.com/us_sailboat_show.php

Backyard Boats space isn't hard to find.

Have you been provided any info on which Hobie reps might be there? I'd like to meet Matt if he were going to attend. I purchased my AI from Backyard Boats (Woodbridge).

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baysailor

I don't know who will attend from Hobie. Last time I talked to them they had not yet made any decision.

Now that would be cool if Matt Miller were to be at the Annapolis Sailboat Show. I wonder if Matt ever works the show booths? This would give him a chance to visit Annapolis, the "Sailing Capital" of the country.

- Jim L