The day has finally arrived. After waiting for about 5 weeks, my Tandem Island in Ivory Dune is here.
Being a 2011 model, the rudder stop-gap modification was already done by the Hobie factory. I also noticed the foam inserts within the hull as per what Matt Miller indicated is new to the 2011 (to meet new American standards etc).
Though I was slightly disappointed to find out, Hobie no longer supply dry bags as part of its standard kit with the TI. But my dealer was very helpful and provided me one free of charge (along with some Hobie Tie Down Straps).
I can't recommend my Hobie dealer highly enough. Their customer service is simply amazing. Even though they are further than another Hobie dealer from where I live, I don’t mind the longer drive as I know I’ll be looked after well.
One downer was the Yakima Showboat that was supposed to fit on my Thule roof rack was not in-stock in Australia. Apparently demand outstripped supply and stock won’t arrive until after Christmas.
So I improvised in the meantime and bough myself the Thule Waterslide. Not the best solution but will do until the Yakima Showboat arrives.
In addition, I also bought the Thule Quickdraw (Bow & Stern tie-downs). These work a treat. Makes securing the TI a synch.
Touch wood…to date I seem to be coping well on my own in taking up and down my TI from my 4WD (& on its storage rack in my garage), but it’s harder than I expected.
Here are some pics from the moment I pick it up to its first shakedown sail. But wouldn’t you believe it; Port Stephens had one of its calmest weekends it has had for a while. We were lucky to go as fast as 5 knots.
So a follow up shakedown sail will be had during the holidays over Christmas.
The day I picked my TI. The guys at the Hobie dealer where helping me tie it down
Noticed that there was a bung missing from the rear. David @ the dealer tried numerous times to screw one on to no avail.
This is the reason why the bung won’t fit.
Hobie forgot to drill a hole for the drainage
TI all loaded and securely tied down
Phew!!! It survived the 200+km drive from Sydney to Port Stephens. TI still securely tied down.
Shakedown sail. My mate David at the front
David being David. Kept reminding me that I should have installed the tramps that I bought with the TI.
One of the many Coastal Patrol Rescue Vessels in the Port
Another Coastal Patrol Rescue Vessels
Break for Lunch @ Little Beach - The shop makes very good burgers and Fish & chips
Let’s go surfing
We want more wind
MirageDrive in action
The dreaded wash down after a sail
I changed how I car topped it on the way back to Sydney. This time I placed the mast on top of the Kayak (instead of beside it). Leaving more room for the Amas and providing more support for the mast.
My homemade storage set up at my garage
I’m considering turning the kayak and storing it top side down. Your thoughts?