Hi,
I'm thinking about buying an OC-1, I guess fiberglass because I'd like a strong boat and I don't plan on racing, just paddling recreationally. I'm considering John Martin's Naia Iki and Outrigger Connection's Fuze. Does anybody have any advice?
Thanks for any and all input.
Sorry if this has been discussed before, I can't figure out how to search for previous discussions.
Aloha, Frogdog
Submitted by frogdog on Tue, 07/10/2007 - 2:42pm
To search just click on the top menu item - search and type in your search word(s) - i.e. naia or fuze. It will bring up links to content with those words in it.
I can't speak to the Naia as I have not been in one. I have a new China made Fuze and a Kaimana personally. Where are you located and what kind of water are you paddling in? That can influence your decision.
Personally I prefer my Kaimana over the Fuze from a racing and versatility perspective (for me it's better in multiple conditions - flats and bumps), it's also 5 lbs lighter than the Fuze overall (I have weighed both boats rigged).
The Fuze's build quality/finish is really great, the boat is super comfortable and fun to paddle so if that is what you need it's a great boat for that.
Aloha...
#1 Tue, 07/10/2007 - 3:09pm
Hi Pittbrah,
I live in Kaimuki so paddling the South side more. I'm 5'6" and 138. Is the Kaimana right size-wise?
I guess I'd prefer flat/bumpy conditions. I'm not too into surfing waves, at least nothing of any big size.
Is the Kaimana a local boat?
Are your two boats both made of the same material?
Thanks for your help.
Frogdog
#2 Tue, 07/10/2007 - 5:39pm
Oh dear...oh dear...
Ok something constructive: Try them both and see what you like the best. To me comfort is the #1 concern.
I can tell you that both boat are solid. Both builders, John Martin and Karel put out boats of excellent craftmanship. If you're not racing fiberglass is the way to go. Easy to fix.
Poops
#3 Wed, 07/11/2007 - 1:28pm
As poopoo said try as many rides as you can and find a boat that works well for you overall (comfort, feel, speed, etc.).
For a light paddler like yourself the Fuze may be a bit heavy (at least to me it is and I weigh 190lbs) compared to all the other boats as I said. The Kaimana, Kainalu (his new model) from Johnny Puakea in Haleiwa, HI would be an excellent boat for you as well. The Naia Iki should be a good choice as well for someone your size.
The Fuze is Carbon/Kevlar typically (adds some extra weight and strength). The Kaimana/Kainalu is typically full carbon. You could ask for a fiberglass boat to be built. Not sure if it's worth the cost savings to you though.
Choke Aloha!
#4 Wed, 07/11/2007 - 4:47pm
Thanks very much for the advice, I appreciate it!
frogdog
#5 Wed, 07/11/2007 - 9:49pm
You might consider buying a used boat until you figure out what you really like in an OC-1. The Fuze, Vantage, Hurricane, Naia Iki and Pegasus are all designed for lighter weight people, but as Pittbrah pointed out, some are better for lighter weight people than others. The Fuze and the Hurricane seem to be the only boats that are readily available new. I have a friend who has been on the list for a Kainulu for 8 months now.
Also, I would personally stay away from fiberglass. You save a little money up front, but I don't think the resale value is as good. Plus, outrigger canoeing is about racing. Even if you never actually enter a race, when you paddle with friends you race each other. If you paddle by yourself you race the clock. If you buy a heavier fiberglass boat you might always wonder if you would be faster on a lighter boat. Good Luck and enjoy your new boat.
#6 Thu, 07/12/2007 - 11:42am
Frog, the other way to go than what Greg recommends is to take advice from complete strangers of questionable credibility on ocpaddler and drop $3000 on a new boat. Yeah you know what? Buy the fuze, never ridden it but I see it ridden by a lot of fast guys.
Or you can buy the 3 boats mentioned the most here, the fuze, naia iki, and the kaimana and ride all three. Then you'll know the answer for sure.
Man I am a loser
poop
#7 Thu, 07/12/2007 - 1:28pm
Yeah, I'm looking for a used boat. I've been checking Y2Kanu and Craig's list. Any other sites selling used canoes?
And Greg, thanks for the input on the hull type. The lighter hulls are definitely tempting. Are the lighter frames just about as durable as the fiberglass?
Thanks.
Frogdog
#8 Thu, 07/12/2007 - 2:22pm
For your weight, try a Pegasus or Hurricane. Most important, try it before you buy it. Then you decide whichever works best for you - Kaimana, Fuze, Hurricane or Pegasus. The Kainalu by Johnny Puakea is actually a smaller more responsive canoe than the Kaimana and for your size probably better. The recent batch of Hurricanes and Pegasus from China came out very well. The Hurricanes and Pegasus are harder to find used - that may mean something. Good luck - see you on the Hawaii Kai to Kaimana Beach run - the fun of the sport is those downwind runs in 15-20 knots of wind!
#9 Fri, 07/13/2007 - 9:25am