It sure pays to have friends in high places! Thanks to all my influential friends here on the forum, I've been able to take a take a close look at Hobie's Tandem Island! In fact, Hobie has been very accommodating in providing access to their TI test fleet. There have been some good questions about boat. Hopefully many will be answered here.
For those who want all the info in a nutshell, the Tandem Island is a marvel of innovation, an excellent and versatile sailer, a very competent pedaler and is definitely transportable without a trailer for many users.
Now for the details. This first topic highlights some of the TI specifications, features and innovations.
Hull: Similarities in design to the AI include minimal rocker and a (measured) length to width ratio is 7.0 : 1.. Notable differences in execution include increased depth and a flatter bottom for greater stability and weight capacity for the TI There are two sets of scupper cart holes -- both serve an excellent purpose as we'll see in the transport post later.
Measured hull specs:
Length overall (rudder retracted) 18' 5"
Hull Width 31"
Maximum depth 14"
Girth 78"
Ama length 13' 4"
Hull weight 120 lb.
Ama weight 22 lb. ea. x 2.
Aka weight 15 lb. combined
Sail and mast weight 12.5 lb.
seats and paddle about 7 lb.
Total weight rigged about 190 lb.
Amas: 4 1/2' longer and with 220 lb. of buoyancy each (100 lb. greater capacity than the AI amas), they look very sleek and run more efficiently in the water.
They are mounted forward compared with the AI, extending almost as far forward as the bow. Together with the deeper hull, this provides more buoyancy forward and a substantially drier ride. The amas are positioned a little higher off the water for less drag on a downwind leg, aided by the flatter bottom of the hull. Upwind you'll notice a little more initial heel .
General deck lay out: -- the first thing you notice is the more spacious cockpits. The rear cockpit is about 1/2" longer than the AI cockpit and the front cockpit is even longer by about another 1/2" Both have more seating width.
Topside space is well utilized with lots of features. Both cockpits have dual cup holders (different diameters) and like the Revolution, there is a small ridge and platform (or shelf) aft of the drivewells that can be used as a working surface for fishing, etc. There are two sets of handles, one for each cockpit. They are nicely integrated and well placed for gripping from the seated position. As we've come to expect, there are two mesh pockets in each cockpit. In case anybody hasn't noticed, the mesh bungee material is improved on all the 2010 boats.
The Adventure-like foredeck is the first (and only) tandem to have a deck mounted hatch.
Similar to the Adventure hatch but more versatile, it can stow a Mirage Drive with Turbofins, some versions of the Hobie carts (not including the newest wide bodied or Trax carts) and of course a spare evolve auxillary.
There are three additional 8" hatches -- one in each cockpit and one at the rear cargo area for good access throughout the hull. The cargo area design is a cross between that of the Adventure and Revolution. Although smaller, it can easily accommodate a Hobie livewell or a couple of life preservers and a scupper cart.. Seats are the standard 2010 seats with the taller seat back, inflatable lumbar support and adjustable seat plugs (vs. '09 seats).
Crossbar system: Rather than removable hinge pins, the TI has permanently mounted hinges with aka extensions that slip into the crossbars and automatically lock with spring loaded, retractable retainers. They are released by depressing buttons on the sides of the crossbars.
Very simple and fast snap together set-up. It also appears that the wearable parts are replaceable. If there is a tendency to bind when new, simple twist of the aka assists in unlocking.
Centerboard: The board is permanently mounted on the starboard side of the forward cockpit at the rail.
This allows full retraction without intruding into cockpit space. It has several cool features. The spring loaded handle is well balanced making it easy to secure in up or down detent, yet the board can be positioned at any intermediate position and stays in place reasonably well when sailing. It retracts without damage upon striking a submerged object. When in the kayak pedaling mode it may be temporarily flipped down to reduce turn radius noticeably. Here's a close look at the disassembled board:
This picture shows size and depth compared with the AI board. -- it is positioned slightly aft to allow greater ease in tacking and a more neutral helm.
It is easily operated from the front cockpit. When sailing solo from the back cockpit, one has to get up and reach forward to operate it -- not really difficult.
A question was asked if Turbofins interfere with the board. As can be seen here, no problem.
Rudder system: The newly designed blade is more stout and extends deeper than the AI rudder. A new mounting system (with longer rudder pin) puts much less strain on the hinge point.
Deployment and retraction handles are double purchase for excellent ease in handling this heavier blade. There are new larger rudder controls in each cockpit.
Sail and rigging: The TI sail lists at 90 sq. ft. and may be sheeted from either cockpit at will. All that needs to be done to transfer control is to release the sheet in the control cockpit and the sail then becomes operational in the other cockpit. The double purchase system hauls the sail in without excessive effort for most people.
This can be quickly changed to a triple purchase system if more leverage is desired, but cockpit control then becomes dedicated to one cockpit or the other -- can no longer be switched back and forth at will.
Furling can be accomplished from either cockpit also. Battens are now aligned vertically to facilitate easy furling on this larger sail. The single furling line is long enough to reach either cockpit and is easily cleated and released at the front cross bar, even from the rear cockpit when soloing. The roller furling mast mount system is similar to that of the AI.
Accessories:TI tramps are a little shorter than AI tramps.
This wasn't done intentionally to sell more tramps -- the aka spacing is more compressed because of space constraints dictated by the two cockpit system (note corresponding aka hole spacing differences in ama picture above). I didn't try the AI tramps on the TI -- there may be a possibility of cinching them up enough to make them work, but don't count on it.
Cradles are almost necessary to properly transport this boat. My friend Josh , always a great guy to have around (like Stringy, but much closer) helped me adapt some TI cradles to my Thule rack system.
More on this in the transport post later.
A rudder knob option will be offered. Those who remember the old steering wheel accessory knobs will understand how excellent this works! This makes the rudder handle a lot easier to grip. Also check out the new handles here:
Apparently a jib kit will likely be offered sometime down the line. No details available at this time, but based on video from the Everglades Challenge, it's actively under development.
Additionally, there are minor changes such as the way the amas are secured to the hull and bungee loops for the tramps that keep them from slipping inboard.
As can be seen, lots of thought has gone into adapting and improving the systems. I'm most impressed with the dual rudder controls, dual sheeting, new centerboard and larger cockpits. I am also especially like the new rudder mount design -- external mount, improved strength and ease of use while still employing the Twist N Stow system.
In the next topic we'll go sailing. I'll try to have it in a couple of days -- lots of pics to sort through!
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