[Edit - I didn't realize how long my post was... oops!]
As with any forums - if you research a product in that forum, you feel like that product is nothing but problems (since problems are usually the main threads!).. And reading up on the AI, I'm almost scaring myself out of purchasing one. I need some experienced owners to set my mind straight!
I'm at the stage where I am toying with the idea of getting an 2015 AI in the next few months. But when I read about...
hulls deforming
storage areas leaking
rudders not going down and locking all of the way, and different year models using different rudders.
masts breaking
Comments such as "The 20xx year model was an 'everything works model', the 2015 models are not"
... the more I read, the more I think "
What am I doing for this much money?"
Some stuff sounds like warranty issues, and I'm fortunate to live within 1hr of 3 Hobie dealers.
Hull deformation sounds like the most common issue. But I need some help understanding what the AI user guide says.
It states: "Do not leave your boat on the cart for more than one hour (less time in warmer temperatures or direct sunlight)"
I get that, and it makes sense.
However, one of the 3 Storage recommendations say "Hull cradles OK" (as in if I were to mount some cradles on 2x4s and hoist the AI in the garage).
Living in central FL, my garage can get pretty warm. If an hour of warm temps on the Hobie cart (with the hull cradles) is not recommended, it would seem longer term storage in a warm garage, hoisted in cradles, would not be recommended as well. Or am I severely over-thinking this?
Do all Mirage Island owners eventually deal with hull deformations at some point?
I've also read about storage options for the past week (
I'll certainly research the finer points of things like "storage" in the appropriate discussion group - it's not my intention to pose such an open-ended question), and I feel like my best option, and the "safest" is to store in the garage upside-down, then roofrack right-side-up with the home-made Pirate pillows I've read about, and use the cart for short transports
I guess I feel like I'm all over the place with questions, comments, and things I've read - which most are probably not worrying about.
any input on anything I've brought up would be helpful.
I've bookmarked a few forum threads - willing to bookmark many more.
Thank you
-cameron