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MINI ISLAND - expansion pack for the A.I.

Posted: 21 May 2017, 17:45
by maverick
The wait is over.......

The MINI ISLAND (Hobie Adventure Island Expansion Pack - ) V 1.2. is here.

Looking to expand the use of the AI. I came up with the idea of turning it into a S.U.P. (stand up paddleboard). The plan worked and with minimal adjustments, it is now a fully functioning SUP which takes about 1 minute to set up, using the Ama's. This version is using PVC pipe, but V1.3 is just waiting on some round aluminium pipe for the cross beams and some square aluminium tube as a frame for the base.

It also makes a very stable sit on top paddle kayak. I have used it as both as as a paddle yak it seems very quick for it's size, the only drawback being that it tracks very straight, so is slow to turn.

So if you have an AI and want to do extra with it, I highly recommend looking at trying something like this. The SUP draws about 10cm of water, so it can paddle in very shallow water. I added the esky with a couple of rod holders and didn't affect the balance at all. The most expensive bit of the project is the SUP paddle.
This options allows you to take the AI hull out as a pedal yak and also have a small paddle yak for a friend to relative to use at the same time.

But wait there is more:

MINI ISLAND MIRAGE SERIES V2.1 is 500 mm wider and will have a Mirage drive option, rudder and provision for an electric outboard to take advantage of the new laws in Victoria. It will also have clips for the Vantage Seat, so you can move the seat and mirage drive from the AI to the expansion kit for some smooth water fishing. Hopefully it should be extremely stable to allow for stand up fishing.

Just for those days when there isn't enough wind for the sail, or time is limited, or you just want to paddle.
On the trolley, ready to assemble.
On the trolley, ready to assemble.
together.jpg
together 2.jpg
ready to go.jpg

Re: MINI ISLAND - expansion pack for the A.I.

Posted: 21 May 2017, 18:29
by mingle
You beat me to it!

Mine has pretty much the same design, but I'm using T.I. amas, which are a bit longer.

Makes the A.I. even more versatile...

Mike.

P.S. Where are you getting your ally tubes made up?

Re: MINI ISLAND - expansion pack for the A.I.

Posted: 22 May 2017, 15:38
by maverick
Dandy south - but getting the ends bent are working out a bit expensive - looking at other options for now.

Re: MINI ISLAND - expansion pack for the A.I.

Posted: 22 May 2017, 16:00
by shane
maverick wrote:Dandy south - but getting the ends bent are working out a bit expensive - looking at other options for now.
Looking good Pete. If you can get some Al tube to fit inside the PVC and make an internal sleeve either side of the elbow then that could be enough.

Re: MINI ISLAND - expansion pack for the A.I.

Posted: 22 May 2017, 19:54
by Galey
Like Timmy Turtles rig but flasher!

Re: MINI ISLAND - expansion pack for the A.I.

Posted: 22 May 2017, 21:14
by laneends
Reminds me of my first go on a paddle craft c1972

Re: MINI ISLAND - expansion pack for the A.I.

Posted: 06 Sep 2017, 14:40
by Bono
Maverick your an ideas man! Ill give ya that.

How is version 2.1 going. Have you explored the option of adding the Hobie Eclipse handle bars and mirage drive to it. Would love to see that...and buy it.

Re: MINI ISLAND - expansion pack for the A.I.

Posted: 06 Sep 2017, 15:02
by maverick
Just picked up an old Hobie hull which I am going to cut up so I can mount the mirage drive on the wider version. Be a few weeks away.