Hobie Cat Forums

Hi folks -
I'm really enjoying my brand new Hobie TI. Probably going to sell my AI. I doubt it will get used other than the occasional "guest" sailor.

Question: What's the purpose of that stainless pad eye just forward of the handle on each AMA? I checked the instruction manual, no explanation. Hobie doesn't install random items on any of their craft.

Thanks for help with solving the mystery.

Jim

It was for a jib sail, but Hobie hasn't released it (problems during testing). Stay turned...

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

I use it to hang wetsuit "calamari rings" between the amas and the hull to minimise scratches.

Calamari rings? New one for me. What are they?

First you need to catch a giant squid.....

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I didn't know how else to describe these slices from the thighs of an old wetsuit....

so you use those pieces of wet suit to protect the amas? hmmm,,, never thought of that.

i got the black spray skirt (and black tramps) on the dune, but i like your color combo better

Yep, they work just fine. Inside each is a length of plastic garden irrigation pipe as a spreader. This sits above the gap between hull and ama and keeps the cushion in the right place. I also put a length of this pipe inside the inner seam of each spray skirt to hopefully minimise any gap.

Many dive shops/schools have old wetsuits which can be cut up for jobs like this. I got one free of charge.

Now I get it. Clever idea. No calamari or giant squid in Lake Erie.