Hello Everyone,
O.K. first off, hopefully, you don't eat me alive for this question. I have read all the threads, believe me, there is a ton of useful info. I have posted only a couple of times on this site. Here is my question, I'm a novice OC-1 paddler, I owned a pretty beat up OC-1 Kaimana and I have recently sold it to be able to purchase a new kanu.
I wanted opinions on if the Huki V1-X is a good sized boat for a paddler who is 6' 190 lbs, sometimes up to 205 lbs. I'm not fat or anything like that, I just like to hit the gym up quite a bit. I have read about the boat and from what I have read, the boat works well with people up to 215 lbs., but I also read in bigger surf it is a great boat for bigger ocean swells for paddlers under 190 lbs. That is where I get a little nervous about spending over 3 grand. I like being in the open ocean, your inputs are greatly appreciated. I would call Jude, but I really don't want to bug the guy, seems like a busy man. Thanks for your help. Is it the motor and not the kanu in bigger open ocean swells?
Shawn Meredith
Submitted by smeredith on Sat, 04/12/2008 - 12:07am
It
s the motor always , but chines dont hurt. I`m certain Jude will talk canoes with you .http://maineoutriggerchampionships.blogspot.com/
#1 Sat, 04/12/2008 - 1:01am
Shawn- As has been said many times before in one way or another on this Forum, the only opinion of a particular boat that really counts is your own. The way to form that opinion is to paddle that boat in the conditions that you will be experiencing over the long haul. Don't buy any boat until you have done so.
Having said that, I will my share some of my thoughts regarding the Huki V1-X. You and I are about the same height, I'm a little lighter than you. I have owned and paddled the X for more than 2 years. Due to the length of my legs, I have had to keep the seat almost as far back as possible to maintain a comfortable and effective paddling position. As a result, I find the boat trim to be stern heavy. I have frequently wished that the cockpit was positioned further forward in the boat. The stern- heavy issue is a real problem when combined with the large bow volume of the X. In a strong headwind or crosswind the bow acts like a big sail (and not in a good way).
I have heard from others that Jude was aware of this and going to move the cockpit forward but last year's boat wasn't any different than mine.
Best for you to talk to Jude about this. You will find that he is very approachable. Huki provides excellent quality and after-sale support.
I have recently purchased a Pegasus but I'm keeping the X. In the right conditions it's still a great ride.
Good luck with your new boat!
Dan
#2 Sat, 04/12/2008 - 3:22am
For someone your size, it's definately not the boat for the open ocean. It's a great boat, though, almost any other model would be better for you in the big stuff.
#3 Sat, 04/12/2008 - 4:26am
Talk to Jude. Tell him your weight, height, experience, and where you will be paddling. He's always willing to talk. He regularly has demos at all the races. Try the V1X and the V1Z. Seat of the pants will tell you a lot.
#4 Sat, 04/12/2008 - 6:02am
3rd or 4th to ask Jude. He is open, honest and will explain things clearly with options.
He does build other modelsl too ... you might ask him this.
"Besides the Z and X, what other options do I have ?"
#5 Sat, 04/12/2008 - 9:40am
4th or 5th to ask Jude. I'm 6 ft myself, but considerably lighter than you. I gave him my height, weight, experience, and intentions, and he recommended the V1-X tall version for me. So far, I've been delighted with my canoe!
Where do you paddle? If in Cal (Either NoCal or SoCal), check the Huki website & take a look at the calendar. He is always at the various events with demos you can try.
#6 Sat, 04/12/2008 - 3:48pm
Yeah, yeah, yeah, but if you're 200lbs. and like paddling in the open ocean, Huki is not for you.
#7 Sat, 04/12/2008 - 4:04pm
As Dano said try try try before you buy. Easier said than done depending on supply/demos where you live. I would also look at the new Scorpius and Zephyr for your height and weight, and a Kaimana would suit you well also.
I own a Kaimana, never selling that ride unless I get a Kainulu updated for it. I am 5'9 200lbs currently and it works great for my weight. I have had taller and heavier paddles in the Kaimana and it will suit those paddlers just fine. I usually paddle at 185-190 in paddling season.
I have owned a Fuze which was not for me, and have ordered a Pegasus for this year.
#8 Sun, 04/13/2008 - 5:22am
Shawn, I bought a V-1X four months ago from Jude, I'm around 200 pounds and a novice paddler as well. So far I absolutely love it. It riggs up so easily and the craftmanship is flawless. Jude was great about recommending what boat and accessories to get. He is really easy to talk to and will provide you with plenty of options. Like Dano said, the large bow volume does make a sail in high winds, other than that the boat performes great in Cali conditions. I suggest you demo a boat from Jude and try others as well.
#9 Sun, 04/13/2008 - 6:35am
Thanks everyone for your input. I really appreciate it. I am currently deployed in the middle east....hard to demo out here. I just want to get in the water as soon as possible when I get back. I know and heard many times, try it before you buy it.
I think if you guys were in the middle east for 9 months you would want a kanu sitting in your backyard so you could get back in the ocean immediately. This place is a drag.
I took everyones advice and contacted Jude and he has helped me out a great deal. Thank you very much everyone.
Shawn
#10 Sun, 04/13/2008 - 11:52pm
Shawn,
Get your ass on a canoe the day you get back.
#11 Mon, 04/14/2008 - 4:09am
thanks for being there
#12 Mon, 04/14/2008 - 9:43pm
Shawn, I can relate to your missing the water (and everything else) having just gotten back from the sandbox a month ago. Luckily for me, I only had a six month gig.
Stay safe.
#13 Tue, 04/15/2008 - 2:13am
Thanks everyone for your inputs....I'm taking Jibofo's advice and going to get in the water asap when I get back. Thanks Hawk for your input also, it feels better knowing that I'm not the only guy out here who likes to paddle.
Shawn
#14 Wed, 04/16/2008 - 11:21pm