The Hobie Tandem Island (TI) can sometimes be a challenge when it comes to transportation due to it’s size. Some people have even car topped this mammoth kayak but for me personally, I do everything in my power to avoid a hernia.
I had done a previous build on a trailer for my 2013 TI, but with my new 2016 I realized I needed something a bit wider. After putting down some ideas on paper detailing what I wanted to achieve (pro tip: needs always come first and wants second) I figured out exactly what I needed – a wider platform. Of course the options are endless, but there was one that really stood out: a galvanized tandem jet ski trailer!
Once I got my hands on one of those I began making my modifications. I started by mounting a set of cargo boxes on the front of the trailer to hold all the accessories that were going to be utilized on the TI. These boxes conveniently hold both vantage seats, 2 mirage drives, multiple pfd jackets, rod holders, camera booms and other various kayak accessories. I then took an extra security measure to make sure they stayed locked up to give me some peace of mind while out grabbing lunch at a restaurant or at a store by adding an extra lock. I used one of the existing manual winches to aid with the pulling of the TI on the trailer and a roller to seat the front of the TI firmly. The positioning of the Hobie Tandem Island Cradles were achieved by flipping the TI upside down and mapping out where they made the most contact from the cradle to the hull. I then marked the side of the hull for reference when I placed the TI back on to the trailer. This mark would now provide a guide on where to position and secure the cradle to the 2×4 treated studs.
Image above: Cradles
I went with all galvanized or stainless steel hardware to minimize corrosion and would highly recommend spending a little more on these materials to ensure a long lasting trailer. I cut both cradles in the middle of the hump located between the main hull and the ama to prevent rubbing. This step was necessary after I learned the hard way from my previous TI trailer experience (which is another story entirely). To protect the hull from any major scratching and help make it easier to get on and off the trailer, I used a 12″ roller that sits on unistrut bars.
All of these trailer modifications have made my trips with my TI significantly easier and much safer while on and off the road. There are many ways to modify your trailer but if you’re looking for something simple, less expensive and effective I recommend following these steps! Thanks for reading!
-Your Hobie Fishing Team Member, Victor Cisneros
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