Loving the 2.5hp motor on my AI

Agreed, even if you never lower the motor, just having it just in case, can be a lifesaver off shore.
One thing about the TI and AI is they kind of suck up wind, and if your caught offshore, and the wind changes to offshore wind, there is no way to get back to shore, ( happened to us lots of times).
Lol you can pedal the mirage drives until the cows come home, and your still not getting back to shore, ( we found that out the hard way as well).
Just wise advise, thru hard knocks.