I am contemplating purchasing my first OC1 and would appreciate your input. The water on Guam generally varies between flat to moderate. In all of Guam there are less than 10 OC1's and none of the models I am considering, so I am unable to trial any of them. Before anyone asks why I am not considering the Pueo, @ $3800.00 w/o crating, shipping or taxes it is outside of my budget.
The Zephyr is a newer design and from what I gather is of excellent build quality. It excels in moderate to large conditions and is acceptable in flats. The Zephyr lists @ $3299.00 and my estimated total cost to get it landed here on Guam is $3700.00 to $4200.00. The Hurricane is the older and much loved design. It is known to perform very well in flatwater and acceptably in moderate to large conditions. I have been told that there will be some available on island for $3600.00.
What do you guys think? Two canoes is not an option!
Submitted by haggan on Sun, 01/11/2009 - 10:00pm
Hello Haggan
How much do you weigh?
#1 Sun, 01/11/2009 - 11:36pm
5'10" 195lbs.
"I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy." Og Mandino
#2 Mon, 01/12/2009 - 12:44am
Aloha Haggan,
You seem pretty well informed on the difference between the two. I’ve paddled both a fair amount and I can say that they are very different canoes. Here are some quick thoughts on both.
Feel:
The Hurricane, like you said, is more of a flat water canoe. You feel like you are sitting more on top of the boat and the ride is more like cutting through the water. In flat water, or going upwind, this canoe is definitely my choice. In swell, it can be a bit annoying as it does not ride over the swell, but tends to cut through it. The Zephyr feels like a much bigger canoe, and much more tippy (meaning the ama jumps up out of the water much more easily). You also feel like you are sitting deeper in the boat with the Zephyr. I am about your same size and I feel comfortable in both canoes.
Stability:
The Hurricane is hands down the more stable canoe. The Zephry feels much more tippy. When I’m surfing the Zephyr, I’m happy for this feature as it allows me to easily pop the ama out of the water for less drag. When I’m in calm water, I can find the constant slapping of the Zephyr’s ama annoying. The Hurricane, on the other hand, has an ama that is much more difficult to fly and will often dig down into the swell. In the flats it will glide through the water and does not pop out and slap the surface.
Comfort:
Unfortunately, the Hurricane seat is just not very comfortable. On longer paddles, I expierence pain in their legs. Many people I know have modified the seat or swapped it out with a different one (I think that Huki makes an aftermarket seat for a Hurricane). The Zephyr is a much more comfortable ride, although I have had problems with the seat rubbing the skin raw on the lower part of my back and legs.
Quality:
Both canoes feel very solid and the build quality is excellent. I have only had expierence with the China made versions of both canoes. I think that the standard China made Hurricane is double carbon, while the China Zephyr is carbon and kevlar. When carrying it, the Hurricane feels like a much lighter canoe to me.
I would go with the Hurricane if you plan to do the majority of your paddling in clam water and the Zephyr if you want to surf swell in open ocean.
#3 Mon, 01/12/2009 - 7:03am
zebignu - just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to respond.
i appreciate all your input as i wanted to make sure i had as much information as possible before committing to a purchase.
Si yu'os ma'ase / Mahalo
#4 Tue, 01/13/2009 - 1:36am