Reviewer:

Neal Crothers

Rating:

5

Date:

7/27/2011

Review:

A year ago I was in a sporting goods store looking at Hobie kayaks. The manager told me about Adventure Island and gave me a Hobie catalog. I ended up buying an Outback, then later a Revolution. But I always kept seeing the Adventure Island in my mind. I sold the Revolution and bought a used Hobi Adventure with plans to buy the conversion kit. My experience with the Hobi Adventure Island was everything that I had hoped for and now I know why it is called "Adventure Island." I think buying the kayak and installing the Island kit has been more enjoyable because I built it. If I had to make the choice, I would do it this way again - the kit is the way to go.

Reviewer:

schief

Rating:

4

Date:

4/22/2008

Review:

This is a great upgrade. You'll have an up-to-dates AI when you are finished. Some pointers are 1) make sure all parts are included with the kit (I was missing the sailing rudder and instruction sheet), 2) leave the stock mast receiver cover on and center a woodworking compass on it to measure out the new mast cup hole size--this will be a big hole in your kayak so you'll want to measure and cut it carefully, and 3) use the parts diagram from the Hobie catalog to ensure you have the mast cup frame assembled in the proper orientation. When you are done you'll have an exciting new kayaking experience. You should also check with Hobie about the rudder up/down control upgrade to see if that will be included in the package (it's now a free retrofit for all AIs). If you do get this, search the web for user experiences in installing this -- good advice is available for this.