Design and Construction
The central hull is pure high-end Hobie: a robust rotomolded polyethylene shell that encourages beaching and shrugs off the bumps of shallow-water exploring. The fitted hull weighs 130 pounds, reflecting the material's forgiving nature.
Multiple Twist and Seal hatches, along with a large bow hatch for below-decks storage, provide generous stowage for multi-day sailing trips. The akas and amas fold alongside the hull for storage or trailering. Receptacles on the underside accept a set of wheels, creating an instant dolly.
Rig and Propulsion
The boat carries a 90-square-foot, roller-reefing, loose-footed mainsail supported by vertical battens, with a generous amount of sailcloth carried high. Its carbon-fiber mast is light enough for an adolescent to step. When the breeze is up, the expansive, easily tended mainsail drives the boat across the water.
When the wind fades, the crew can simply start pedaling. Two MirageDrive 180s, fitted with Kick-Up Fins and ARC cranks, provide forward and reverse pedal power. The flippers lie flush against the hull under sail to reduce drag. If the patented fins strike an underwater obstacle, they automatically kick up and reset once clear.
A stubby tiller beside the aft cockpit and another in the forward cockpit provide dual rudder control. Both the rudder and centerboard deploy by lever.
Handling and Performance
Test sailors found that the windward float lifted almost immediately in puffs while the main hull remained planted. Even in the strongest gusts, the boat never came close to capsizing.
The Tandem Island delivered 8–9 knots in 12–18 knots of wind and tacked through roughly 100 degrees. It responded beautifully in gybes when the helm first headed up to build apparent wind. Weather helm became problematic when sailing to windward in the biggest puffs, but slightly luffing the sail overcame it. Otherwise, boat handling was straightforward.
In flat, wind-sheltered water, the crew had no trouble pedaling at 3–5 knots with the amas deployed. The builder also cites the ability to reach marlin-teasing trolling speeds under pedal power.
Cockpit, Capacity, and Stowage
The Tandem Island is a boat for two, with a Vantage CT seat rated to 275 pounds and a total capacity of 600 pounds. Beam is 10 feet with the amas extended and 4 feet when they’re folded alongside the hull.
Cockpit measurements include 16.75 inches from the floor to the aka bars, 15 inches to the bow, and 29.5 inches to the rudder. Its generous stowage and convertible layout suit couples, families, or cruisers looking to leave the beaten path. A built-in transducer mount with through-hull cable plugs supports the installation of fishing or navigation electronics.
Known Issues
The only documented handling caveat from period testing is problematic weather helm when sailing to windward in the biggest puffs. It can be managed by easing the mainsail.
The Verdict
The Tandem Island is a genuinely dual-mode craft: a pedal kayak that quickly becomes a beachable trimaran once its akas and amas are fitted. It’s light enough for an adolescent to rig yet capable of 8–9 knots on the wind.
The rotomolded hull and kick-up fins invite careless launching, while pedal power removes the dead-calm frustration that hampers lesser small trimarans. Its weather helm in strong puffs is a minor caveat that can be managed under sail.
Pros
- Converts from a pedal kayak to a sailing trimaran with akas and amas
- Robust rotomolded hull encourages beaching and tolerates bumps
- Dual MirageDrive 180s provide forward and reverse pedal power when the wind fails
- Kick-Up Fins automatically reset after striking underwater obstacles
- Carbon-fiber mast and sail are manageable by an adolescent
- Generous stowage suits multi-day camping adventures
Cons
- Weather helm can be problematic to windward in the biggest puffs
- Tacks through a wide roughly 100 degrees rather than pointing like a tight-winded racing boat
