Hobie Cat Forums

I am looking to get a tandem AI and have the option of getting a 2011 display model (its been outside for over a year, but never sold) for $4595 (includes new rudder system) or new 2012 model for $5295.

Are there are any major differences in the 2011 and 2012 models? Any opinions from AI owners out there as to which they would choose and why?

Thanks.

Hi

Mine is a marked down '11 with the new rudder and I was happy to have a lower price. I would have thought long and hard before buying one that had sat outside. You have to judge whether the condition warrants the price drop and how much it matters to you.

Allowed me to buy tramps and cradles and pay tax for under $5500. Mine was stored inside, so it was really a no brainer.

I believe they improved the forward cross brace for the akas.

Cheers,

J

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2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

Likely the biggest difference is the way the seat locks into the hull. Older versions use expanding pegs. Starting with 2012 we use a Twist Loc feature.



The black part threads into the peg holes in the hull's seat area. The grey parts are on the seat... insert the peg and turn 90 degrees to lock the seat to the hull.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

This is going to be a retrofit kit for earlier models isn't it Matt ?

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

And quoting Roadrunner again - the new drive alignment shaft.

I just did a retrofit as described HERE.

Thanks for all the great info! I appreciate the quick feedback. Long term, its probably not best to save the $700 and I'm probably better off biting the bullet and buying a new, properly stored '12 model.

Looking forward to getting in the water with it.

Thanks Herbaldew. Sorry I missed your previous post.

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

Just ordered the new 2012 TI in Ivory Dune. Hope to have it in the water by year's end. Thanks again for all the great advice.

Dude,..Nice Christmas present. Have a Hobie New Year!

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"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

Mahalo Nohuhu. I'm jealous of you guys in Kailua. What a great place to launch from and sail. I lived in Kailua for many years back in the 80's and 90's.

Best zip code on the planet. Parking to get to a launch site is a zoo though. Especially when the first family visits.

Did you get a trailer for the TI? Plan to register them both?

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"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

Yes, I'm getting a Malone rigged to carry the TI plus two other Hobie kayaks (Outback and Outrigger). Kelly at Plentypupule kayaks on the Big Island has been great to work with and answer all my questions.

Are you requied to register the trailer and/or TI?

To get ramp privileges, you'll want to register them both. Think of it as a free parking pass at any crowded public marina.

Saves you a bit of harassment by the DLNR folks too. The TI is way outside the 16ft sailboat exclusion, so tags will help you avoid getting in a pissing match with the "fun" police.

With your licensed multihull trailer rig, you may find yourself the "Mule" for long downwind runs with pals. They will flock to you. Yule be a popular dude.

Don't forget to post picts for us. Mele Kalikimaka!

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"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

Thanks for the useful info. I never would have thought of that. The DLNR here busted some friends of mine who borrowed my Hobie Oasis for beaching it on a secluded state beach. They were the only ones there and had pulled in to eat their lunch.

I'll definitely post some pics when I get it next week.