One of those ideas that just stood out immediately to me and I had to share. The line jamming at critical times was just too frustrating and dangerous!
Hi Mike, in this video your are talking about the ball bearings for the mast. When I got mine, new from the dealer, my bearings were falling. I went to the forum to find a solution. They advise to take the top plate off and either sand it down or put the plate on a lathe and take a few thousands off. I used the second method since I have one and the method is more accrued than the sand paper method. Start taking off little by little and check the clearance, slow process, I know, but it will prevent over cutting. I hope this will help you as well as others.Keep your good videos coming.
+jrodri2525 Thanks for the advise. I actually did that first, taking off top plate and sanding it down, and it lasted for a while. But eventually even that doesn't work any more. The only time I have a problem with the bearing coming out is when the mast is removed, also sometimes when I get a little careless putting the mast in or out, usually out, it will sometimes pull a bearing or two out of the race.
Thanks Mike. I bought a 2015 TI and sailed the crap out of it stock last summer. Really a great boat out of the box, no serious complaints. However, every thing I buy I improve. I am going to mod it heavily over the winter using a lot of your ideas. I also am going to build 4 slat hakas that I will fit over my tramps. We use our TI up in Maine going around on the Maine Island Trail. It is the perfect boat. Keep the vids coming. I will document all of my mods when I make them.
Ingenious ideas, great explanations, wonderful video. I'm still saving for my tandem island....that will come soon...I hope. ;-0. Keep the videos coming!
Maiden voyage.My mistakes.I didnt realize the rudder holder for transportation had a hook on the end lost it my bad.I straightened the rudder and tightened it .I didnt have the screws quite tight enough lost steering had a screw driver .The stays in the sails werent attached right the caps popped didnt lose them.The sail popped up and over the top that wasnt set right.Not hobies bad the guys I bought it from .Got all the snafus out.Love this thing.Bought wet suits.Early season is great only ones on the water.Ive never sailed before this and I found this thing is easy to handle.I had 15 mile an hour winds.I couldnt believe the push you can get by pedaling a little along with the wind.
Love your videos, a comment about the plate you made to hold your sail furling line, easier fix is just cleat the line snug, no lose loops to cause a problem and it is free.
Great video and great modifications. Have you thought about adding a "roll-bar" to the back in order to lift the mainsheet line away from the rear persons head? I have seen that done and wondered what is the best way to go about it? Thanks. Dom
Thank you!! We just purchased a used Hobie Tandem Island and have implemented several of your fixes!! We'll keep following you to see what other awesome fixes you recommend!
Will use your pool noodle suggestion until the worn out balls and races are replaced. Lasted 7 yrs so can't complain. All the more serious issues of the early models were addressed by hobie thankfully.
another American GENIUS ! Clever. Crossed the Atlantic twice (big 65 footer)..Just love your mind/execution...need me a Adventure Island...wanna solo in Lake Michigan...too old ?...66 ?...naaaah...Best..CR
Great video and ideas for improvement. I have a AI 2015 and a few of these items are fixed. Love it. I have made a few improvements on the AI 2015 for sailing off shore (Atlantic Ocean) and will take a look at a few of your ideas. Love the Frisbee tip!
+James Powers Thanks for the comment. I consider that Frisbee fix to be a critical one. Too many times I went to roll in the sail and I couldn't. It made for a few anxious moments.
It's a Ritchie Kayak Compass. Definitely shop around as the prices vary wildly. www.hodgesmarine.com/ritxp-99w-ritchie-xp99w-kayaker-surface-mount-compass-whit.html?Shopping%20-%20All%20Products&Shopping%20-%20All%20Products
Very nice work. Any good ideas on how to control the centerboard up and down from the rear seat when sailing alone? I sail in the lagoons of Mauritius, and it can get shallow so I have to raise the centerboard very quickly.
I just got my hobie tandem.They may have taken a couple of your pointers,The kayak is angled like the lid on the front hatch and theyre still using the two seals.Ill let you know how that worked out.They also eliminated the side handles
Thank you for the comment. I'm available if they want to hire me. But I'd bet they'll steal my ideas without any consideration of crediting the source. lol
Mike, could you give some insight on what blue Mat or padding you used on the mirage drive filler so it was the right height and color? Thanks in advance
Hi Mike ,,,,,,here's your next job is putting a jib on your boat mabe you can find a second hand,,,, 14 foot hobie cat,,, jib,,,,very good in light winds 😊😊😊😊
Hi Mike adding a jib is faster in lighter winds and more fun flat water if your going to do this modification then mount the halyard pulley to the mast head and run the ropes down to a cleat on the mast and a pulley on the bow and another cam cleat AKA beam where the mast receiver is,,, the way this works is you pull the jib out to the bow and cleat it off,,,,and pull up the jib while you are sailing ,,,,,,,now your swivelling cam cleats get mounted on the gunwales close to the front seat 💺on half roundcut out bread boards,,,,,, there you get the perfect sail trim ,,,,,,,,,I'm sailing a hobie adventure island I've done this modification and it works very well ✔️ I'm using a hobie kayak sail and it's just the perfect size,,,,,you will need a 14 or 16 hobie cat jib or another catamaran jib ,,,,,I hope that this will help you to make it up,,,,,,,,another mod you might like to make the rudder bigger,,I've done that as well,,,,,,,OOP'S I'VE GIVEN TO MUCH INFORMATION WE ARE SAILOR'S HA ,,,,,,,IM IN AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺 BY WAY,,,,,,
They are both Richie compasses, one is a kayaking compass and the other a sailing compass. Both are attached to the round storage lids, screws and silicone.
Hey Mike, great video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. One question: What type of foam did you use on top of the drive cassette plug? I want to do the same, but the foam I find is to porous. Thanks again!
The original you see in the video was a foam kick-board bought at the local supermarket. After two seasons the foam started to break down and acted like a sponge as the closed cell foam became open cell foam. I currently am using standard white Styrofoam. It sin't the pretty blue but it is actually lighter and a lot more buoyant. I also got this foam from a larger kick-board.
Lean540 They were both purchased at West Marine. One is a sailing compass and the other is a kayak compass. Right around $70 for the kayak compass and about $10 more for the sailing comp[ass. I like the sailing compass better for use with the Hobie.
+mechanicmike69 Thanks very much, once again, for the quick response. You have come up with many clever mods, many of which I intend to implement prior to thaw here in Canada.
Hi Mike terrific video. I am considering purchasing one of these hobies. Is that the factory hobie trailer? What do you think about it? Worth the money?
"Is that a factory trailer?"Well kind of the Hobie trailer, as Hobie doesn't make it, but it is made for the Hobie Tandem island by Trailex and it is the trailer your local Hobie dealer will sell for it/with it. Yes I do like it. Worth the money? Well I got mine used with and when I bought my Tandem Island used. It's very lightweight and even with the Tandem Island on it weighs less than 500lbs. I find that pulling this trailer with the Hobie Tandem Island on it is hard to tell if it is even behind me. While 2 sea kayaks on my roof (only 120lbs) is a lot more stress and reduced gas mileage on my vehicle.
Hi Mike I am designing a sailing kayak based losely around a TI , Unfortunately I haven't been able to see one in the flesh and I am stuck for a key dimensions i.e bow to centre of mast Can you help me ?
Hello Mike, interesting and nice video. As a fanatic TI owner in the Netherlands I follow almost every message from Hobie. One of your fixes/updates is about the Miragedrive-plug. Indeed, the construction/design is a little bit crappy. Nice solution with the foam on top of it. The basic-material of the plug is not very suitable for glueing! What kind of glue or adhesive did you use. Is it still holding? It would be very nice to have your reaction, Thanks in advance.
I don't understand how anyone could give Thumbs Down on this video, packed full of great mod ideas for Hobie AI & TI... 8 Russian trolls maybe, stirring us up? nah, just your basic dummies
I am Russian and I like this boat, and you are a fucking racist - I will break your face if I see what you are doing all that crappy stereotypes work. you sick bastard
this is amazing... very nice work..!!! thank you for shearing i will make my own video with my upgrades soon, we have rainy weeks in oregon, iam working on my trailer to transport my AI
Many of you have asked for a video of the main-sheet riser/utility bar I have on the back of my Hobie. Well here it is: ruclips.net/video/PbfLwt1BCPs/видео.html
I was thinking of buying one of these, but I don't know now after watching your video. You have done a great job with your fixes but frankly for the price of the boat these types of mods should come standred. The boat looks poorly engineered from the start.
Thanks for your answer I did not know that. My local dealer has never sold one, does not stock them and seems to know little about them. So good info is a little hard to find and so far the internet is where I have to go to find it. I may have to make a lengthy drive to a dealer that stocks them and see what they have to say. Great videos you put up thanks.
+Howard I think my boat was really great straight out of the box. For what it costs, I think you get a great boat. For us buying two carbon or fiberglass kayaks or a nice tandem was about equal to a little less on total cost. This boat does everything relatively well, but nothing perfectly. It is like the Swiss Army knife of Kayaks. Wind, you sail, no wind, you pedal, waves, you surf and splash, friends and gear, strap em on and go. See if you can get a demo ride for a few hours to get a better feel. It's not the boat for everyone, but if you like it, you get the fever. And the only solution is "more cowbell!"
Only smart people can come up with simple things. Nice job.
You will not get an argument from me.
Wow Mike your really thinking way outside the box I love the frizbie on the mast receiver bloody good idea 💡
One of those ideas that just stood out immediately to me and I had to share. The line jamming at critical times was just too frustrating and dangerous!
Sir you can think outside the box, critical thinking Bravo to you. You've given me some great ideas
I pride myself with thinking outside the box and K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid)! I hope the ideas help you out.
Thank you for the comment.
Many thanks ! Extremely valuable information for anyone interested in buying this boat.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Mike, in this video your are talking about the ball bearings for the mast. When I got mine, new from the dealer, my bearings were falling. I went to the forum to find a solution. They advise to take the top plate off and either sand it down or put the plate on a lathe and take a few thousands off. I used the second method since I have one and the method is more accrued than the sand paper method. Start taking off little by little and check the clearance, slow process, I know, but it will prevent over cutting. I hope this will help you as well as others.Keep your good videos coming.
+jrodri2525 Thanks for the advise. I actually did that first, taking off top plate and sanding it down, and it lasted for a while. But eventually even that doesn't work any more. The only time I have a problem with the bearing coming out is when the mast is removed, also sometimes when I get a little careless putting the mast in or out, usually out, it will sometimes pull a bearing or two out of the race.
Thank you for these tips. I do t have a hobie island but will plan to get the island tandem in the future and the sail mast tip is invaluable
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the video, I applied some of your modifications and they work great. Especially the Frisbee.
The Frisbe should be a required modification. Thanks for the comment. I'm glad to hear some of my fixes/ideas worked for you too.
Thanks Mike. I bought a 2015 TI and sailed the crap out of it stock last summer. Really a great boat out of the box, no serious complaints. However, every thing I buy I improve. I am going to mod it heavily over the winter using a lot of your ideas. I also am going to build 4 slat hakas that I will fit over my tramps. We use our TI up in Maine going around on the Maine Island Trail. It is the perfect boat. Keep the vids coming. I will document all of my mods when I make them.
+Bryan Edmonds I agree there are improvements that can be made to anything, including my improvements. I'd love to see how you did/do your hakas.
Thumbs up! If only the manufacture would see and heed these improvements.
+Don Milligan Maybe they will give me a job at Hobie.
Or you could start up your own after market business 👍
I like your fixes.You have put a lot of thought and effort into them. thanks for sharing.
+Michael Skorulski There's more to come. Thanks for the comment.
Ingenious ideas, great explanations, wonderful video. I'm still saving for my tandem island....that will come soon...I hope. ;-0. Keep the videos coming!
+andy danger You can save a lot of money by buying a used one off of Craigslist.
Did you end up getting the tandem island?
Thanks, I adopted a couple of these improvements.
I'm glade to hear you found some of them useful.
Great video and some really good fixes! I'm going to implement the furling frisbee fix this week!
Now, that is what I like to hear! So glad some of the changes/fixes will work for you too.
Maiden voyage.My mistakes.I didnt realize the rudder holder for transportation had a hook on the end lost it my bad.I straightened the rudder and tightened it .I didnt have the screws quite tight enough lost steering had a screw driver .The stays in the sails werent attached right the caps popped didnt lose them.The sail popped up and over the top that wasnt set right.Not hobies bad the guys I bought it from .Got all the snafus out.Love this thing.Bought wet suits.Early season is great only ones on the water.Ive never sailed before this and I found this thing is easy to handle.I had 15 mile an hour winds.I couldnt believe the push you can get by pedaling a little along with the wind.
Sounds like you're addicted now, like the rest of us.
Thank you for this very, very informative video.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome improvements! Thanks for sharing!
No problem! Thanks for the comment.
Love your work, clean, tidy & simplistic! great work :-)
Thank you for the comment. I pride myself in keeping it simple (k.i.s.s.)and, when possible, reversible.
Love your videos, a comment about the plate you made to hold your sail furling line, easier fix is just cleat the line snug, no lose loops to cause a problem and it is free.
Huh?
good job, great research and development!
Thank you, glad to help.
mate, bloody genius...! thanks for great tips. clearly you are a DIY guy..love your work..!
Glad you like the modifications. Thank you for the comment, you've made my day.
Great video and great modifications. Have you thought about adding a "roll-bar" to the back in order to lift the mainsheet line away from the rear persons head? I have seen that done and wondered what is the best way to go about it? Thanks. Dom
+Dominic Silla That's funny you should ask as I have a main-sheet riser/utility bar video coming. Stay tuned.
+mechanicmike69 Here's that video; ruclips.net/video/PbfLwt1BCPs/видео.html
Thank you!! We just purchased a used Hobie Tandem Island and have implemented several of your fixes!! We'll keep following you to see what other awesome fixes you recommend!
Awesome! Thank you!
The mind of Nikolai Tesla and the voice of John Goodman= our sailing savior!
Great Tips!
ha ha, ok, I'll take it. Thank you for commenting!
Will use your pool noodle suggestion until the worn out balls and races are replaced. Lasted 7 yrs so can't complain. All the more serious issues of the early models were addressed by hobie thankfully.
The frisbee mod is genius!
Just had to share
Beautiful work!! Hats off to you, my friend!!
Hey, thank you for the compliment! I hope some of the changes work for you. I will have some more coming.
another American GENIUS ! Clever. Crossed the Atlantic twice (big 65 footer)..Just love your mind/execution...need me a Adventure Island...wanna solo in Lake Michigan...too old ?...66 ?...naaaah...Best..CR
My motto is K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid
Absolutely amazing.
Congratulations Mike!!
And thank you!!
You're welcome!
LOL @ "hiking out" on a Hobie Island Adventure!
Great video and ideas for improvement. I have a AI 2015 and a few of these items are fixed. Love it. I have made a few improvements on the AI 2015 for sailing off shore (Atlantic Ocean) and will take a look at a few of your ideas. Love the Frisbee tip!
+James Powers Thanks for the comment. I consider that Frisbee fix to be a critical one. Too many times I went to roll in the sail and I couldn't. It made for a few anxious moments.
Great fixes! could you provide a link to the compasses you installed?
It's a Ritchie Kayak Compass. Definitely shop around as the prices vary wildly. www.hodgesmarine.com/ritxp-99w-ritchie-xp99w-kayaker-surface-mount-compass-whit.html?Shopping%20-%20All%20Products&Shopping%20-%20All%20Products
Thank you for this. It appears I have the same make and model, so when those issues arise I'll have a very good idea how to resolve them.
Happy sailing!
Love that tiller!
I've seen it on others now.
Very nice work. Any good ideas on how to control the centerboard up and down from the rear seat when sailing alone? I sail in the lagoons of Mauritius, and it can get shallow so I have to raise the centerboard very quickly.
I've made a foot control for the center board to be able to operate it from the rear cockpit, video coming soon!
I just got my hobie tandem.They may have taken a couple of your pointers,The kayak is angled like the lid on the front hatch and theyre still using the two seals.Ill let you know how that worked out.They also eliminated the side handles
They listen to their customers.
excellent improvement
Thank you!
👍👍❤️
Nice improvement! Now I just need to get a adventure island. Lol
Buy used and save some money.
GREAT JOB MIKE :) !!!!!!!!
Great to hear you liked it!
Have you found a good seat replacement for the Hobie rotten junk it came with?
What a great video. Have you sent this to Hobie? You've done some great R&D that they could use for perfecting future models. Nice job Mike!
Thank you for the comment. I'm available if they want to hire me. But I'd bet they'll steal my ideas without any consideration of crediting the source. lol
오호~ 대단합니다
당신이 만든 모든것 대단합니다
호비 회사에서 당신을 필드 테스터 겸 이사로 채용 해야 합니다
공기 역학적 유체 역학적 ^^
Thank you!
Mike, could you give some insight on what blue Mat or padding you used on the mirage drive filler so it was the right height and color? Thanks in advance
I cut them from a foam body board/boogyboard that was approximately 1 inch thick. My local Publix sold them, I live in Florida.
Hi Mike ,,,,,,here's your next job is putting a jib on your boat mabe you can find a second hand,,,, 14 foot hobie cat,,, jib,,,,very good in light winds 😊😊😊😊
Yeah, I've looked at others that have done it. The spinning mast makes it a bit untenable.
Hi Mike adding a jib is faster in lighter winds and more fun flat water if your going to do this modification then mount the halyard pulley to the mast head and run the ropes down to a cleat on the mast and a pulley on the bow and another cam cleat AKA beam where the mast receiver is,,, the way this works is you pull the jib out to the bow and cleat it off,,,,and pull up the jib while you are sailing ,,,,,,,now your swivelling cam cleats get mounted on the gunwales close to the front seat 💺on half roundcut out bread boards,,,,,, there you get the perfect sail trim ,,,,,,,,,I'm sailing a hobie adventure island I've done this modification and it works very well ✔️ I'm using a hobie kayak sail and it's just the perfect size,,,,,you will need a 14 or 16 hobie cat jib or another catamaran jib ,,,,,I hope that this will help you to make it up,,,,,,,,another mod you might like to make the rudder bigger,,I've done that as well,,,,,,,OOP'S I'VE GIVEN TO MUCH INFORMATION WE ARE SAILOR'S HA ,,,,,,,IM IN AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺 BY WAY,,,,,,
Love the video. What about the compass? What model and how is it attached?
They are both Richie compasses, one is a kayaking compass and the other a sailing compass. Both are attached to the round storage lids, screws and silicone.
Thanks. I purchased the 99w since that's what it looked like. Love the ideas. Have already implemented the frisbee and others.
the technical term for Hiking stick is a Tiller extention
That would be correct as this isn't really for 'hiking' out.
Hey Mike, great video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. One question: What type of foam did you use on top of the drive cassette plug? I want to do the same, but the foam I find is to porous. Thanks again!
The original you see in the video was a foam kick-board bought at the local supermarket. After two seasons the foam started to break down and acted like a sponge as the closed cell foam became open cell foam. I currently am using standard white Styrofoam. It sin't the pretty blue but it is actually lighter and a lot more buoyant. I also got this foam from a larger kick-board.
Great! Thanks!
Some good ideas, thanks
Thank you!
You've save us a lot of bad experiences !!!
Thank you, glad to hear that.
Several tips I will be utilizing. Thanks very much! One question? When you changed the bungies in the Ama's, how did you tie the knots?
+Lean540 I used figure 8 knots.
+mechanicmike69 Those black grommets unscrew. Hobie sells the tool to remove them. The cleat, the loop, and the bunji grommet are all interchangeable.
+mechanicmike69 Thanks very much, Mike. One last question? Where did you find your deck compass?
Lean540
They were both purchased at West Marine. One is a sailing compass and the other is a kayak compass. Right around $70 for the kayak compass and about $10 more for the sailing comp[ass. I like the sailing compass better for use with the Hobie.
+mechanicmike69 Thanks very much, once again, for the quick response. You have come up with many clever mods, many of which I intend to implement prior to thaw here in Canada.
Great video! What did you do to improve your seat?
I removed the Hobie seat bottom and replaced it with a piece of a foam paddle board. It raises me up enough to stay out of most of the sitting water.
Hi Mike terrific video. I am considering purchasing one of these hobies. Is that the factory hobie trailer? What do you think about it? Worth the money?
"Is that a factory trailer?"Well kind of the Hobie trailer, as Hobie doesn't make it, but it is made for the Hobie Tandem island by Trailex and it is the trailer your local Hobie dealer will sell for it/with it. Yes I do like it. Worth the money? Well I got mine used with and when I bought my Tandem Island used. It's very lightweight and even with the Tandem Island on it weighs less than 500lbs. I find that pulling this trailer with the Hobie Tandem Island on it is hard to tell if it is even behind me. While 2 sea kayaks on my roof (only 120lbs) is a lot more stress and reduced gas mileage on my vehicle.
Frisbee was genius !
Such a simple fix.
Hi Mike
I am designing a sailing kayak based losely around a TI , Unfortunately I haven't been able to see one in the flesh and I am stuck for a key dimensions i.e bow to centre of mast
Can you help me ?
On this 2014 TI the distance from the bow to the center of the mast is 56".
Thanks Mike , Happy new year to you
pat larkin Happy New Year to you as well!
Great news thanks!!
You bet!
Thanks 😃
You're welcome!
Very smart thanks
You're welcome!
Hello Mike, interesting and nice video. As a fanatic TI owner in the Netherlands I follow almost every message from Hobie.
One of your fixes/updates is about the Miragedrive-plug.
Indeed, the construction/design is a little bit crappy.
Nice solution with the foam on top of it.
The basic-material of the plug is not very suitable for glueing!
What kind of glue or adhesive did you use.
Is it still holding?
It would be very nice to have your reaction, Thanks in advance.
+Ambroos I used a heavy dose of contact cement and it has been holding for a little over a year now.
Now still holding after two years!
I hope you are a sales person for the pipe foam
It is some very versatile stuff.
nice job mate.
Thanks mate!
Mike, What year is your Hobie?
2016
Looks like the bearing needs a redesign with an inner race
+Richard Bishop "Inner race" yes that would fix the problem.
Copied your frisbee idea. Thanks! Back handles I had already padded.
+Mark Bowman I consider that fix a critical one. Glad to share that one.
I don't understand how anyone could give Thumbs Down on this video, packed full of great mod ideas for Hobie AI & TI... 8 Russian trolls maybe, stirring us up? nah, just your basic dummies
Maybe the people at Hobie...
I am Russian and I like this boat, and you are a fucking racist - I will break your face if I see what you are doing all that crappy stereotypes work. you sick bastard
what would you know-in Russia there is a criminal article for inciting national hatred. that's what you do just ... fuck you
this is amazing... very nice work..!!! thank you for shearing i will make my own video with my upgrades soon, we have rainy weeks in oregon, iam working on my trailer to transport my AI
Glad to share ideas.
I liked very, very good sign in my humble also mano channel
Sweet!
For referance
ForvReferance
sweet
That’s using your noodles !
I knew someone would make that comment! Kudos to you!
Many of you have asked for a video of the main-sheet riser/utility bar I have on the back of my Hobie. Well here it is: ruclips.net/video/PbfLwt1BCPs/видео.html
A very popular modification.
I was thinking of buying one of these, but I don't know now after watching your video. You have done a great job with your fixes but frankly for the price of the boat these types of mods should come standred. The boat looks poorly engineered from the start.
+Howard Elzey
This is a pre- 2015. A lot of modifications went into the 2015 and newer models of both the Adventure Island & Tandem Island.
Thanks for your answer I did not know that. My local dealer has never sold one, does not stock them and seems to know little about them. So good info is a little hard to find and so far the internet is where I have to go to find it. I may have to make a lengthy drive to a dealer that stocks them and see what they have to say. Great videos you put up thanks.
Howard Elzey
Another place to find them cheaper is on Craigslist.
Used of course.
+Howard I think my boat was really great straight out of the box. For what it costs, I think you get a great boat. For us buying two carbon or fiberglass kayaks or a nice tandem was about equal to a little less on total cost. This boat does everything relatively well, but nothing perfectly. It is like the Swiss Army knife of Kayaks. Wind, you sail, no wind, you pedal, waves, you surf and splash, friends and gear, strap em on and go. See if you can get a demo ride for a few hours to get a better feel. It's not the boat for everyone, but if you like it, you get the fever. And the only solution is "more cowbell!"
that is a lot of "modifications" for a multi thousand dollar yak
It could be looked at that way, for sure.