Difference in canoe characteristics

Hi all,
I'm after some helpful information please on the difference between the following OC1 canoes in relation to my physical attributes.
I was looking at purchasing one of the following, Hurricane, Pegasus, Kaimana or Hihumanu. I am 6ft 2" and weigh approx 78kg (lightweight) and most of my paddling is done on flat and small washing machine like swell up to 1m. (in a bay).
Any suggestions would be appreciated. This seems to be the only forum where people actually seem to voice their opinion instead of always saying "go out and try them all first". I can't.

Submitted by outrigger on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 1:59am



Kaimana or Hurricane.


#1 Mon, 04/24/2006 - 10:24am


i don't think you can go wrong with any of those canoes... you're light enough for all of them and they're all good in small chop. Just go try them out and see which you like the best :)
Nah... but in my opinion.. all of those will be equally as fast once you get used to them (have never used the hihimanu... so i can't speak for that), probably the best thing you can do is just pick the canoe based on wait time and price... no sense buy something you wont be able to use for three more years.


#2 Mon, 04/24/2006 - 12:26pm


You may have some problems with the Hurricane and Pegusus because of your height. I'm not sure about the others because I haven't tried them.


#3 Mon, 04/24/2006 - 3:18pm


I've paddled all but the Hihumanu and I'm a big fan of and own a Hurricane. But for your size, I'd look at the Kaimana - it's larger and has less rocker for "bay" conditions.


#4 Mon, 04/24/2006 - 4:40pm


Thanks guys, yes I had narrowed the range down from other discussions viewed on this site, also I left out the Fuze, is it a contender?


#5 Mon, 04/24/2006 - 5:44pm


Am interested in seeing how this thread develops further. I can identify with your situation.

Being in an area away from hotspots of outrigger activity, it's intimidating to just "pay ya money and take ya chances!" I credit reading this forum for at least giving me a sense of what might work out for me...Fusion, Elua, Hurricane (the last being, admittedly, a little harder brand name to contend with here in Louisiana right now—even though I’m up north where most everyone was spared from both Rita and Katrina.)

Gulf-inlander


#6 Tue, 04/25/2006 - 1:24pm


My girlfriend has a Pegasus, which she loves, but I am also able to paddle it and I am 6'4" and 220lbs. I do think that my height is at the upper limit but 6'2" should be fine.


#7 Tue, 04/25/2006 - 3:42pm


I have probably never felt as instantly comfortable on a canoe more than on the Hihimanu. I would like to have one. However, at last word, John Martin is not producing the Hihimanu any more. The only thing that may be troublesome with this canoe is that the bow rises a bit above the waterline allowing side winds to push it a bit more.

The Pegasus and Kaimana are both good canoes, as well. At 78kg, you are certainly light enough for either. The ama of the Pegasus sits quite a bit closer to the hull than most other canoes. I have found the Kaimana to be slightly better when going against the conditions/chop. I don't have enough experience with a Hurricane to provide comment.


#8 Thu, 04/27/2006 - 6:11pm


hi all,
Please keep your comments coming in, they are a valued resource. The Kaimana has just been introduced here in Australia and approx 1 is being imported per month. Can anyone tell me what the finish of the canoes is like?


#9 Sat, 04/29/2006 - 4:38am


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