New Toy - Hobie I-9s Inflatable

I picked up a Hobie I-9s Inflatable over the weekend for $800 off Craigslist with Turbo fins, paddle and wheeled travel bag.  The previous owner used it three times in fresh water.  I've always wanted one of these but could never justify $1700 price tag.  Looking to outfit it with a fish finder and an over the side Transducer Arm. 

This is the extreme opposite to my Pro Angler 14 that I own.  I'm really looking forward to packing this for vacation or quick trips on the water. 

Anyone else own one that can offer any insight?

(Please note this is not the one. I had.)

Brad
Perfect for small bodies of water. I normally took a small softsider on mine. Tucked the rod butt under a thigh.

Never bothered with a fishfinder but maybe one of the humminbird fishin buddies would work since its self contained. Turn it on get your readings turn it off tuck it back under the front rigging maybe?

Sorry cant be much more help. Never thought about using it other than in its basic format.

I would love to have one of these for the high lakes around here.  There are a bunch that you either need to 4-wheel or hike into.

Would any consider drifting small rivers in one?


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Great little yak, er um, raft, whatever. Minus the mirage drive this thing kills it in rivers. The bottom is completely flat so doesn't track w/o the rudder down which it perfect for fast small rivers. I used to leash the drive and take it through shallow stuff and when in deeper slow stretches dropped the drive in. If I was more of a river fisherman I'd have kept it.

I'm thinking lakes and small rivers for sure.  Such and easy solution just to toss in the back of the car.  I'm amazed at how sturdy the construction is. Like a Zodiac or White Water Raft in PVC. Not your average pool toy.

Yeh definitely not a pool toy. Yes perfect for the high lakers or remote access stuff. I passed the one Zee sold me to my nephew as a welcome home from Azzcrackistan gift.

Also a nice platform for tossing flies just dont try to stand up on it if your a heavy guy.

Cool, how about surf riding in it? Would the i12 be better or worse for surf or rivers?

Would you dare anchor it and drift fish for steelhead in a swift river?


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I bet this would be awesome for river fishin, or like WR said high mtn lakes. Is there an easy way to tote it?

Not sure I'd do white water in anything but my pontoon.  I'm sure you could pack it in on a hike. It's 39lbs (not including mirage drive or bag).  Bag has wheels for transport - like a wheeled suit case.  I've ordered a set of Hobie wheels.

Inflatable Hobies are great for so many things. Great for flying anywhere in the world on remote kayak fishing adventures as all major airlines will except them as luggage. Also easy to stow in small apartments, yachts, float planes, water taxi's and pretty much anything else. BB, that is a major score for $800.
Congrats!

Thanks Jammer.  Psyched to take it out on the water.  Amazed how it inflated in less than 3 minutes and it looks like you could take the end of a hammer to it.  I visit my folks in Florida every year, so this will be coming with me.

That is an AWESOME score! I'd just keep it in the back of my car. Just in case

truthfully if i were to buy another it would be the I12. More suitable to moving waters, and you could even go slightly inshore/offshore with it. Still, don't discount the I9, it does have it's place.

Traveling like i do in support of the STRYKER troops, and having just spent 8 1/2 months in the Charleston area, owning the I12 would have been a huge asset. I could have had it shipped along with the rest of my traveling fishing gear, to my hotel, then tossed it into the trunk of the rental and taken advantage of all the creeks, sloughs, inner bays, tidal flats, ICW, etc in that area. Would have had to wash it every day though due to all the stench from Pluff Mud, but thats minor. Plus, it could have gone with me when i went to Jax one weekend to fish with FFTW.

Each boat comes with it's own travel bag, like Brad mentioned. Pretty secure, easy to load and unload from the bag, and the bag does have carry straps. At least the one i got from Zee did.

Brad, that was a great find. Enjoy your little boat.

Cool, how about surf riding in it? Would the i12 be better or worse for surf or rivers?

Would you dare anchor it and drift fish for steelhead in a swift river?

Since there's no keel would be terrible in the surf. It flexes a lot so blasting through waves would be unsettling. Have anchored and drift fished it plenty and works nicely.