FishnMiss wrote:I was looking at the Pre-2015 and almost got one for $2000 but after doing extensive research found the older one's not as good for a number of reasons. The main one for me was how easily they submarined with a low wind and small chop, which now the new model is less likely to happen too. Ok so it does weigh 30 Kg more, but all up the performance etc is better.
Gotta step in and correct you there - the pre-2015 A.I. is a fine sailing and fishing machine...
The 'submarining' is only an issue in strong winds and even then it can be corrected to a large extent bu leaning into the wind and also reefing the sail.
The newer A.I. is more of a pure sailing boat, whereas the older model is a better all-rounder - it works far better than the newer model in kayak-mode and even single outrigger mode. Plus (as you mention) it's a fair bit lighter.
I've had a 2012 A.I. for about 4 years and had a look at the newer one, but the weight (as well as the astronomical cost) put me off.
If you're planning on serious sailing, then the newer model would be better, but if you're likely to use the A.I. without the sail, or in light winds (where the newer boat is arguable no quicker), then the older version is better.
The other thing to consider is that often (for me it's probably about 50% of my trips) the winds are either too light or no-existent and you have to pedal the thing. Trust me it's not much fund to have to push 70+kg of plastic the best part of 20kms! With the newer one you''d be close to having to pedal 100kgs!
Cheers,
Mike.