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My alternative steering system for the AI...IMHO works much better than the stock system...more precise control of the rudder...better leverage...can operate rudder with one or two controls...operates from either side of the boat...works great!

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CaptRon
"Anything's gonna happen,
it's gonna happen out there"

You been busy. Will have to check this out.

How did you do it?

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I'd rather be sailing,
Mark.

Come on Ron. Your gunna have to give us a bit more info than that. Looks pretty impressive from what I can see. So I take it when one lever goes forward, the other goes back. Do the levers get in the way at all when you're moving about ? How big a holes did you have to punch in the side rails and how nervous were you in doing it? So many questions !!! Well done.

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

Duel controls! I like it!

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

Mark, I'll show you on Monday
Slaughter, Thanks... it feels impressive...you're correct...one goes forward the other goes back...I have to be a little more aware of the stick when I mount but there is enough room unless you have a giant behind...once in the seat the handles are VERY comfortable to steer the boat...I can steer with both handles or one handle...I can lay on either tramp and easily steer..I cut a 2 1/2 in channel about 1/8 in wide with a drill and drimmel...the handle is a 1 in aluminum bar about 12 " long...bicycle grips...pretty easy mod...steering does not feel "mushy" like the old control...no thumb joint pain after sailing...it feels like I have control of the rudder for a change...you'll like it! Oh, nervous?...naaaaw...just another hole in the boat!

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CaptRon
"Anything's gonna happen,
it's gonna happen out there"

Excellent mod for sailing on the starboard tramp!

Just needs the red trigger button now.

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"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

This is modeled after the Fulmar steering controls, no?

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"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

NOHUHU, Yes, this mod is very similar to the Fulmar steering system which has worked well over the years...

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CaptRon
"Anything's gonna happen,
it's gonna happen out there"

NOHUHU...you asked for it...you got it...the red button is connected to a relay that triggers the water balloon launchers...



Look out Mark, I'm coming for ya Monday!

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CaptRon
"Anything's gonna happen,
it's gonna happen out there"

You drive a skid steer for a living?

Pretty cool!

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

That's a great analogy Matt...I don't drive a skid steer for a living, I drive a Hobie Adventure Island for living!!

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CaptRon
"Anything's gonna happen,
it's gonna happen out there"

Wow-what an innovative mod Ron!
Very impressive!
I'm guessing the lines forward of the levers go around a block centrally mounted somewhere or two blocks, one on either side?

More like ... I live to sail my Hobie Adventure Island!!

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

KB, I agree totally!

Stringy, Thanks for your nice comments...your correct about the lines going forward...I have a small block tied by a short line around the mast base that the forward line runs through...that short line is long enough to pull tension on the block to tighten the steering system...I took my AI out again today for another test...I shot some video steering while sitting on the stb tramp...works great!...the boat is much more responsive in a tack also...I can actually "snap" the bow around quickly when needed...I'm very happy with the results so far...It would be easy to attach some sort of tiller extension to either lever if you wanted to sit further back in the boat...I'll try to post the video later...

Ron

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CaptRon
"Anything's gonna happen,
it's gonna happen out there"