The rare Dune AI

The mast base is different from the 07. Don't know about the 08 v 09 mast base.

The cleated rudder is the most essential upgrade/modification particularly in sea conditions. It's why I waited for an O8 production model and I'm very pleased that I did. Not cleating the rudder fully can result in slippage and significantly adversly affects performance. In strong seas, I'm constantly amazed at the performance of the rudder and apart from one rudder pin, it has given me no trouble.

An extension to the rudder handle would be an advantage as I frequently reach for it to find it missing. Now I more or less rest my hand on top of it for the most part.

I have the A1 a year now and was initially concerned about corrosion from the salt water. Sometimes, you can peel it off like frost!. I rinse everything thoroughly with fresh water and apart from some slippage on the Mirage drive (like a bicycle chain missing a cog) and a lost batten, I have had few problems. There are no signs of corrosion just a dulling of the black paint work on the frame and aka's. The mesh pockets have frayed at the stitching so I will need to replace those soon.

I continue to be amazed and thrilled by the A1. I've been out in all kinds of conditions and it has proved reliable and very seaworthy.

I don't have any slippage problems with the seat and used to sit in a pool of water until I opted to leave one of the drain holes open and now the pool of water disappears.

The sail has weathered well but I have started to see a few cracks on the plastic panes which I've seen in other posts might lead to tears. I'm hoping that won't happen.

Yes, I cannot recommend the A1 highly enough....my other kayaks lie forlorn in the yard!

_________________
Better to be a live donkey than a dead lion!

Here's mine

_________________
Yakabout coastal kayak fishing
http://www.yakabout.com.au
Maclean Outdoors
http://www.macleanoutdoors.com.au
Hobie Factory Fishing Team
http://www.hobiefishing.com.au/fishing_teams/factory-team.html

Whoa - nice rig. It's even got a matching whale!!

_________________

LOL @ Chrisj

One thing that I personaly like better on the Dune setup is the sail in itself, its colors. No big deal but we spend some time watching it when we sail, don't we.

How comes you bought a white one and not red or yellow 5thofNovember ? Did you first buy the Adventure alone (fishing series) and then upgraded to the Island with matching amas ?

An absolute beauty!. Great colour.

I keep reading about these 'ram mounts' and I can see that they greatly enhance the accessory potential. How did you mount the camera with the waterproof casing and how do you use it from the seated position. Does it have a remote control?

Greatly appreciate your help as I plan on doing the same and getting some ram mounts while I'm at it. Seems I'll have to buy them on the web so if anyone has any recommendations I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks

Upyaboya

_________________
Better to be a live donkey than a dead lion!

Check out the US website http://www.ram-mount.com/ It has a catalogue of everything available. The RAM mount is a universal ball mount, so once you have it, you just choose the adapter for whatever you want to mount.

_________________

This might be a more appropriate site -if you are in Ireland
http://www.ram-mount-uk.com/

_________________
Mickey
2016 AI Hibiscus
purchased NEW Nov 2021 - My 5th
Adventure Island Sailing since 2008

Thanks Chrisj.....will do.

_________________
Better to be a live donkey than a dead lion!

5thofNovember,

Would you mind letting me know if you're using a ram mount for the camera and if so, which one? I have the same type of waterproof housing for my camera and think the aka is a great place to mount the camera. Now I need to figure out how.

Many thanks,

Upyaboya

_________________
Better to be a live donkey than a dead lion!

Upyaboya, RAM has a lot of U-bolt mounts for motorcycle and ATV rails, but they all seem to be for max. 1" diameter rails. Perhaps you could fit one to the aka cross-brace?

_________________

Thanks a lot Chrisj for the suggestions.

I think that the cross brace is a tad delicate and may not be robust enough. But I will certainly explore the idea and at least I would be able to access the camera easily. We get some great wind and waves which I would like to capture without falling out of the A1 while trying to hold the camera!

_________________
Better to be a live donkey than a dead lion!

I spotted Nate in his new Dune AI today. Here's what it looks like on the water:



Very handsome color. Maybe Hobie will add it as a complete package next year?!

This RAM mount attaches to the akas perfectly. I have 2 - one on forward aka, one on rear. I also have standard b mounts screwed into the hull when I just use the yak.

Attached to that is a 'b' size socket arm, and at the other end of that is one of these:


You could also use one of these for hull mounting:


Aussie readers might be interested to know that at my work (Maclean outdoors) we stock a good range of RAM accessories, including camera, rod, GPS & sounder mounts. Most of our popular items are here: http://www.macleanoutdoors.com.au/ram_mounts.htm


Partly because I liked the colour a lot more, but also because I actually wanted to get experience upgrading an Adventure to an island. I was working at Hobie Australasia at the time and it was a great opportunity to learn how to do the upgrade.

_________________
Yakabout coastal kayak fishing
http://www.yakabout.com.au
Maclean Outdoors
http://www.macleanoutdoors.com.au
Hobie Factory Fishing Team
http://www.hobiefishing.com.au/fishing_teams/factory-team.html

That looks perfect. Following your advice, I had a look on the McLean website and there it is. The part # is RAM-B-108BU and the description is RAM V base with strap and 1" ball.

_________________