Stingray Duo vs. Waveblade 2

Interested in picking up an OC-2 and would like to hear some peoples' thoughts about these two boats.
I've had the opportunity to paddle the Stingray Duo but have been unable to get on a Waveblade 2.
Any input here will be greatly appreciated.

Submitted by oiwiwaa on Mon, 06/01/2009 - 9:30am



by far the waveblade 2. had an opportunity to paddle both. stingray was a good boat and comfy but i loved the way the waveblade moved. both paddlers sit between the iako on the waveblade. the stingray only the back paddler does. seat one feels wierd not having an iako in front. there are people who swear by the original waveblade oc1 the same goes for diehard waveblade 2 owners. if i ever got a 2 man no doubt it would be a waveblade.


#1 Mon, 06/01/2009 - 9:55am


Waveblade 2. Handles like a one man in the surf, it really goes. Not as fast as the Stingray in flater water, but its a surfing demon.

Waveblade 1 and 2...no difference with the hull. I believe the hull is the same. I belive there were modifications on the deck.

JawsOut.


#2 Mon, 06/01/2009 - 10:57am


I have paddled both in various conditions- from flat calm to nearshore, point to point and Molokai Channel. My personal choice would be based on conditions. Flat to Medium-Big conditions, Stingray. Big to huge- Waveblade.
Would depend on what conditions you paddle in most of the time. The front paddler feeling weird is a small issue since strokers are usually in front of the 'iako anyhow.


#3 Mon, 06/01/2009 - 1:07pm


I've paddled both and now I own a WB-2 made by Pineula Va'a. Personally, I prefer the WB to the Stingray in almost all conditions. The Stingray does better on days when the troughs are tight because of the shorter waterline, but otherwise it's all about the Waveblade.


#4 Mon, 06/01/2009 - 2:47pm


thanks for all of your folks' input. i'm kind of surprised that people think the stingray duo runs well in flat water. the stingray felt a bit sluggish to me inside of flat island in kailua...but then i don't have anything to compare it to. it just seemed like I was paddling uphill. the seat was comfortable and the build was excellent and aesthetically its a beautiful boat. maybe i need to give it another try.

i still wanna try the WB2 though. my first oc-1 was a waveblade...still got it...still love it.


#5 Mon, 06/01/2009 - 4:02pm


I own a Mahoe II from Tiger Canoe and have raced it pretty vigorously in all kinds of conditions. Makai to Magic, Kailua to Heeia, big HK. For an all purpose OC2 you can't go wrong with the Mahoe. If you plan on doing any OC2 racing you'll have an advantage with Tiger's boat. Compared to other OC2's, what it lacks is volume, but with a little patience and forethought you can work your way thru the rough effectively. In the flat and small to medium stuff it smokes. With a good partner, you'll be smiling all the way to the finish line.


#6 Tue, 06/02/2009 - 6:32am


I too have a Tiger Mahoe, and think that anyone considering the purchase of a tandem would be doing themselves a big disservice were they not to demo that canoe prior to making a purchase. We paddle flatwater, and personally feel there is nothing faster, especially for bigger paddlers. We regularly paddle with a combined weight slightly exceeding 400 lbs, and have plenty of volume, which cannot be said of one of the other popular tandems here in California. I agree with the previous post, if you have a Tiger, you have an advantage.


#7 Tue, 06/02/2009 - 6:45pm


Hey! Thanks for this topic, for it reminded me to go check on my long forgotten and neglected original Honu Kai 2-man that has been collecting gecko droppings on the side of the house. I'm going to update it with new cables, na iako, seats and rudder. Great canoe for the entire family and friends to enjoy - lots of fun paddling around Chinaman's Hat, "Mokes," and Waikiki with all the kids on top. Even caught the longest and biggest ride I ever had from way outside "Old Man's" on it. Put two top paddlers on it today, and it will hold its own against the newer boats and paddlers. Probably more cheap too? Go check em out.


#8 Wed, 06/03/2009 - 10:51am


KGB & Shamu,
Mahalo for the info on the Mahoe. Nice looking boat.I'll definitely be taking a look at it...hopefully i can demo one.

koacanoe,
I've paddled the Honu Kai before and that experience is one of the reasons we are looking into oc-2's.

Mahalo gang!


#9 Wed, 06/03/2009 - 3:42pm


I've never paddled a WB II, but have owned a WB OC1, wrecked it several times, but it is still being used by our keiki crews. I do own a Stingray OC2 and just love it, I don't see that it is that 'sluggish' as it usually wins our OC1 races here if anyone reasonable is paddling it...I know we don't have that many elite OC1ers here (or even any, I guess), but still...
I like the smaller ama and having less drag, you can really feel it when you unweight the ama and the boat just releases.
We also have an old Honu Kai and it also gets plenty use, OC2s are just great. I love outside with my beautiful wife in the bumps, plenty fun!
My next boat will be that V3 from NZ, or Bill Murray and Sabre Marine in Townsville, Aus is making a a V4 with a rudder (!!) that is vacuum bagged and super trick...ah, never enough toys!


#10 Wed, 06/03/2009 - 5:47pm


All OC2s are stretched out OC1s. Until someone designs an OC2 instead of modifying an oc1, all oc2s will be lucky guesses


#11 Wed, 06/03/2009 - 6:31pm


How Lee, is your comment based on any facts or just a throw away. We have some nice canoes to choose from in Australia, Zulu, Mahoe, Stingray, Bladerunner and a new canoe from Canoe Innovations from Victoria. I know three of the manufactures that designed and produced these canoes. They are hardly lucky guesses. Experienced designers who have developed their doubles independantly of their single designs. Each new model taking the development a step further.

I think your wrong!


#12 Thu, 06/04/2009 - 12:05am


The stingray oc2 is a long stingray oc1 with more volume in the nose.

The mahoe is is a long pahoa with an extra seat.

The waveblade 2 is a long waveblade with an extra seat.

They are same as their oc1s only longer and with an extra seat.

I don't know about any Australia designs.


#13 Thu, 06/04/2009 - 5:58am


Interesting

So why wouldn't you take a good design concept-Pahoa, Stingray and Waveblade and stretch it out and expand it? It makes sense to me.

Now if you are saying that there is an opportunity in the OC-2 market and a need for OC-2's that have newer design features (that have been coming up in OC-1's) I agree with you, for example-raised and supported paddling platform around the hips and seat, more comfortable seats, better Amas, better rudders , more forward paddling position, etc.


#14 Thu, 06/04/2009 - 6:10am


I imagine that its a little more complicated then just adding on an "extra seat".


#15 Thu, 06/04/2009 - 6:24am


I just think adding 6 ft in length and another 100-200+ lbs on top the boat you change the water line, the rocker, where the boat releases, the take off point and just about everything you started with in the original oc1.

Basically you start with something that you know works and your trying to stretch it and sink it lower in the water without changing the way it rides.

Sounds like a pain. Just start with something about 26- 27ft long then design it to fit in flat water or in waves.


#16 Thu, 06/04/2009 - 6:31am


How Lee
Were you in my shop when I built the Mahoe? Doubt it! Pahoa, what are talking about? The Mahoe was developed before the Pahoa, it was a refinement from my Tiger II

Tiger


#17 Thu, 06/04/2009 - 5:56pm


not sure you know what you are talking about How Lee - "just adding 6 ft in length"

The Stingray II is a mere 3 feet longer than the original Stingray and from all accounts it was developed as a refinement to the Viper Duo. Much the same as what Tiger mentioned above.

Just a fairly typical "hot air" statement coming from the vast majority of posts on this forum.


#18 Thu, 06/04/2009 - 7:56pm


so well if thats the case, can we have a zephyr II? or even a pueo II? scorpius II maybe? They sound like good ideas now :)


#19 Thu, 06/04/2009 - 7:59pm


Thought I would dig this thread up.

Any updates on OC-2?
Has anything compared to the tempest lately? I know its not a big market, and most builders arent making OC-2 anymore....but thought I would ask.

Used the Tempest with my wife and really liked how it surfed, but some of the components are kinda sketchy. 2 separate cases a cable snapped on fairly new canoes with friends of mine. Curious to know


#20 Mon, 02/09/2015 - 12:34pm


When It comes to OC-2 for surfing I think it is hard to beat Mike Giblin's Tempest. I was lucky to go on Maliki run with Mike and "hauling ass" are two words I would use to describe the experience. At 6'3" tall the forward Iako did impede my stroke on several occasions, something he planned a design change for next model. I have been waiting for the update. For flats I think it is tough to beat a Huki. IMO


#21 Wed, 02/11/2015 - 10:06am


Mahalo for reviving this thread. Try searching for OC2 info it is nearly nonexistent for newer stuff. Unfortunately Kauaisurf85 hit it on the head with the "not a big market". Getting one of these to users to BUY an use is a big $ and time commitment.. Check the used market for OC2, they just don't sell, hence if you invest in one you had better be ready to take a hit at upgrade/turn in/give up time. Not the case with my 5 year old Pueo. Anyways, sorry, red wine ranting......any more feed back on the Tempest? First I have heard of some sketchy components,

A local made, modern, light, OC2?
Kamanu guys, Keizo.......how I wet dream for a Pueo II. Hint, hint, hahaha!!!!


#22 Sun, 02/22/2015 - 7:25pm


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