An AI in mono mode vs a 15+knt SE wind at williamstown
Posted: 03 Dec 2017, 10:17
All I want for Xmas is a red, looks unlikely now but I still wanted to get out this week before the weather turned. My plan was to soak some baits off willy beach into the night and planned do do this with the AI in mono hull mode to test its performance while pedalling or paddling.
I planned head out Wednesday but the winds picked up so with the AI still on the roof, I headed to willy on Thursday night with hope and excitement. This was certainly abruptly holted when I was smacked in the face with a S to SE wind 15+knts. It certainly looked lumpy and there wasn't much boat life. I still deciding to un-load and rig up wading out to knee level. After checking all was secure I hoped on board and began to paddle I really like the way it paddles but what impressed me more was the size of the swell I was heading into. With the rudder dropped I engaged the mirage drive and headed south to see how the AI handled the conditions at hand. I found it very stable and safe no concerns of breaching, the ride was wet but felt in control. What impressed me the most was how soft the ride was, as the bow cut through the waves with out to much slapping. The length really helps with this compared to the PA14. The second thing was the speed wow it moves quickly and responds to my demands. By now I was 1 km out with 1m maybe bigger waves starting to white wash break and rolling in constantly. I decided that I didn't want to be caught coming in with a following sea in the dark where the beach is shallow. So decided to use this time to move around the kayak pack everything loose up and head back in. The yak is very stable when my legs were hanging over and I could reach the front hatch with a little effort. Tipping was never a concern as I peddled towards the launch i decided to use the ramp for protection. The following seas got my heart pumping as she lifted me up and thrusted me forward slightly turning the nose I had to counteract and lean, this is the first real test in some average conditions. No fish is worth potential disaster so I got back to shore safe with the light fading.The AI is certainly impressive and if your thinking of it just do it (yakass) in all 3 modes I have found the ultimate all rounder for my fishing needs. Looking forward I'll be upgrading the seat and bullhorn holders are in progress.
The only thing that I will miss is tight water casting but I'm sure that will be happily replaced with open water pelagics.
I planned head out Wednesday but the winds picked up so with the AI still on the roof, I headed to willy on Thursday night with hope and excitement. This was certainly abruptly holted when I was smacked in the face with a S to SE wind 15+knts. It certainly looked lumpy and there wasn't much boat life. I still deciding to un-load and rig up wading out to knee level. After checking all was secure I hoped on board and began to paddle I really like the way it paddles but what impressed me more was the size of the swell I was heading into. With the rudder dropped I engaged the mirage drive and headed south to see how the AI handled the conditions at hand. I found it very stable and safe no concerns of breaching, the ride was wet but felt in control. What impressed me the most was how soft the ride was, as the bow cut through the waves with out to much slapping. The length really helps with this compared to the PA14. The second thing was the speed wow it moves quickly and responds to my demands. By now I was 1 km out with 1m maybe bigger waves starting to white wash break and rolling in constantly. I decided that I didn't want to be caught coming in with a following sea in the dark where the beach is shallow. So decided to use this time to move around the kayak pack everything loose up and head back in. The yak is very stable when my legs were hanging over and I could reach the front hatch with a little effort. Tipping was never a concern as I peddled towards the launch i decided to use the ramp for protection. The following seas got my heart pumping as she lifted me up and thrusted me forward slightly turning the nose I had to counteract and lean, this is the first real test in some average conditions. No fish is worth potential disaster so I got back to shore safe with the light fading.The AI is certainly impressive and if your thinking of it just do it (yakass) in all 3 modes I have found the ultimate all rounder for my fishing needs. Looking forward I'll be upgrading the seat and bullhorn holders are in progress.
The only thing that I will miss is tight water casting but I'm sure that will be happily replaced with open water pelagics.