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A good friend was kind enough today to let me try his 2013 TI amas on my 2012 AI hull before I went out and bought them. The front AI aka does not reach far enough into the TI ama to be secure but the back one does, so I borrowed his TI front aka for the test drive. It fit fine into the AI hull. After reviewing the batboat, I began to play with options to reinforce the strength of the front akas and prevent them from folding back. All it took was a firm tight nylon line from the padeyes located near the handle on each ama nun forward to the padeye at the bow. This eliminated any play and it felt very solid. So the only modification was these two pieces of rope and four caribiners. No holes drilled or power tools needed. I would have pictures but I soaked my phone in saltwater and it is DOA at the this point.


The Test Drive: I sailed in 10-15 mph winds and 2 ft waves in the Gulf of Mexico. Not the worst of conditions but still a test. The added stability was everything I had hoped for. I turned that boat sideways to every gust and wave I could fine and never once felt the boat try to lift up. I was also able to put my 220 # frame out on the tramps without the tramps feeling like they might give way. I could easily sit on the tramps now. Just by putting a Type 4 cushion out on the tramp, I could keep from siting in any water at all. I won't be able to judge if I lost any speed or any ability to point until I have a chance to sail with another AI. But i don't think I did. The boat handled and steered normally. I am sold on buying the TI amas and front akas after today's experience.

My experience on the Batboat was it was much smoother even in rougher 3-5 foot wind waves. Great fun!

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http://KayakingBob.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007, 2009 & 2010 Hobie AIs and a 2010 TI

Yea I trying maximize for safety offshore fishing in the Gulf and at the oil rigs. The ama stabilizing ropes did such a good job that I was able to sail upwind as well as surf waves with the aka brace disconnected without movement of the TI amas and akas. I can thank a poster on the Haka thread for that idea. Call me paranoid, but I could use the extra stability offshore in those 3 foot waves and taller swells.

If you want to practice for those little waves come visit us in Hawaii and we'll go out sailing together. 5-7 foot today (not unusual), but I am enjoying them from my deck, not my AI's and TI today. The Batboat mod does seem to beef up the AI. Try adding Haka and you'll never go back. Also, a Sprayskirt will help hold the front similar to your lines in lighter conditions. Enjoy!

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http://KayakingBob.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007, 2009 & 2010 Hobie AIs and a 2010 TI

Wow Bob! Smokin offshore winds blowin off those cane fields. Wouldn't be surprised if you were pelted with red dirt that day.

I was out on an 18ft cat when they started to blow yesterday. Got in just in time.

Vet, Akas can collapse forward too, so don't put 100% faith in those guylines.

I'm stoked you like the Batboat mod and are doing it to the newer AI hull. Best Haka ride you can get.

I'd give up the calmer Gulf waters for Hawaii anytime.

Nohuhu- Thanks for you prior experimenting. I may not have taken the leap were it not for the batboat.
Bought the TI amas today. Anyone want some cheep papaya AI amas?

I'd give up the calmer Gulf waters for Hawaii anytime.

Nohuhu- Thanks for your prior experimenting. I may not have taken the leap were it not for the batboat.
Bought the TI amas today. Anyone want some cheep papaya AI amas?