Minimim Wind to Sail AI

What's the minimum wind that you prefer (as reported by weather forecast) before you will head out with your AI. I could have used more wind on my first two real outings.

About 6mph wind. The AI sails at about half the wind speed so with under 6mph wind, you can leisurely pedal faster than sail. Also, I normally won't use the daggerboard in under 6mph winds as the drag it creates is not worth the added pointing upwind. I do use the mirage drive with pedals together to act as the daggerboard depending on the point of sail.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Larry, for light winds, try playing with an outhaul or whiskerpole.

That, with a little light pedaling, will move you along in just about any breeze, as long as you aren't fighting a current.

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The Wind Is Your Friend...

Im looking for at least 10mph constant reported (and hopefully more) before I think about packing it all up and heading out. If I lived water-side it would be a different story but for me, from the time I say GO! and start the motions to the time i'm setting off land is at least 45 mins ... usually closer to an hour, and then the same once hitting ground and back to home, plus the added rinse-off time.

I'm not far from the water (about 15-20 mins away) but getting everything in/on the truck then off and rigged adds up.

If it was on my dock or beached nearby and all I had to do was throw it in the water, I think I'd be on it daily if possible.

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Alan W.

Papaya AI2 to replace my well worn V1
TheTwins - His/Hers 2007 Papaya Hobie Adventure Island's (v1.00.01)
.. and a Hobie Outback SUV

I'm in the same situation as you Passwind. Once I sell my trailered boat, I'll put the AI on a trailer and reduce my set-up and breakdown time.

Nohuhu, I researched whisker poles and outhauls and found videos showing set-ups on AI's. I'll try that sometime. Thanks.