Hobie Cat Forums

I've read that the transport cradles for the AI should be spaced 67 inches apart. In planning for my future AI to ride atop a 2003 Tacoma, I'd like to space them further apart. Realistically, what's the furthest that I could space the cradles.

If you're going to space them further apart. You may want to disassemble the AI, and go without cradles. Kayak racks, or other fasteners might work better if you need more space between the racks. Just a thought. I used to travel with my AI on kayak racks, and the ama's strapped to the crossbars. (or strapped to the top of the AI on the cross bars that attached to the boat) Worked great.

_________________

And what is the minimum spacing please?

And is there any reason a TI cradle can not be used for the AI? (Configured for Roof top or trailer).

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

The AI set is form fitted to a specific spot on the hull, so 67". (edit!)

The TI version could work I think. It would not be as snug.

I too think dis assembly is a better option for car topping though. Much easier to handle the separate parts when loading up top.

_________________
Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

67 inches? or 76 inches? The original post wrote one, Matt wrote the other.

_________________

76 inch span or 67 inch span?

I'm almost positive that Matt mistyped that. I'm sure it's 67"

_________________

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

Momentary Dyslexia?

Yes... 67"

_________________
Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Amen. There are disadvantages to lifting it in one piece. I've learned my lesson.

My thinking was how to use the TI cradles for roof topping the AI. in which case the spacing would need to be much closer than on Larry's Tacoma (43-56") but both ends of the Amas would have a place to rest.

I'm sure it's been done, but didn't find it in the treasure chest of knowledge here.

One last stupid question: is the spacing of AI/TI cradles different?

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

All of our cradles use the same 67" spacing (because we designed them all to work on the same trailer)

I never intended to try to lift it with amas installed. They can easily be put on after the hull is up. it just seems to make sense to use the cradle. I've seen a picture where someone mounting a cradle to an extend-a-bed (configured as a tall T). I already have one and yakima racks (for my Hobie Outback), so I thought I'd put a yakima rack over my double-cab, but it's just a bit too far away from the T. 5-ft bed. So, any chance the AI amas will fit inside a 5-ft bed that are half occupied by fender wells.

Just standard kayak saddles for the hull?

Larry, if you are putting it up in pieces, then it would seem to me you'll need either the tandem cradles or 2 AI rear cradles. Both ends of the Amas will need somewhere to rest.

Obviously, separation could not exceed the length of the Amas, and if the Amas do end up fitting in the bed, you really only need a set of front AI cradles.

For 3-piece car roof topping (with closer separation), the TI cradles seem to make more sense (as an alternative to thule saddles?).

Anyone have pictures or PDF instructions of how these cradles attach to crossbars?

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

I'd go upside down in pieces. One person job. That is how I do it on my TACO. It would take effort to load a fully rigged one and they are pretty floppy with amas attached. Upside down is better for the hull and easier to tie down. All the pieces load into the bed. I have a shell/cap which makes it easier and more secure though.

_________________
Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Mark,

Do you have a 6ft bed. I had a 5ft bed on my double-cab. wanted to put on a tonneau at some point. would Amas fit inside. I doubt it, but I STILL don't know how long they are, as in how many inches or feet.

Don't see loading hull upside down as an option for too long. Expect to have cool stuff mounted to the topside that would get in the way.

Was hoping to load it in pieces, like this: http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=73&t=40698