Don,
I feel your pain, but I would not be in too much of a hurry to jump on the BigAI bandwagon just yet. Based on the initial reports, and my limited understanding of how it is built, it seems to me that the BigAI is a different breed of cat (sorry, Crew) than the basic BigA. The BigAI is much more along the lines of a Hobie sailing-type craft than a fishing or touring kayak. It will be a bear to load (i.e., cartop) or trailer unless the amas are easily detachable. Plus the amas themselves (if detached) will take up a goodly amount of room in the back of your SUV/car/truck. And I shudder to think of the extra weight involved (oh, my aching back!) in heaving such a boat around.
So, my first take on the situation is that unless you are heavily into sailing, and especially kayak sailing, then the BigAI may not be the best yak for most folks who want a boat for all-around use--touring, photography, fishing, AND sailing. I mean, I love sailing a Mirage drive boat, but when I consider how often I actually do that, it is such a minuscule amount of time (relatively speaking) that I am perfectly happy with my OB and Sport, and do not need a yak more specifically designed for sailing. If I was you, I would still stick with the basic BigA, or other Mirage drive craft, unless I could find a more compelling reason to "upgrade" than just to have a better sailing capability. And I still have my loverly home-made lobster pot buoy outrigger/amas that I much prefer (small, easily transportable, easily adjustable, easily removable, lots of buoyancy, etc.) to what I have seen so far on the BigAI. Just my $.02 worth.
Best,
Dick
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