I in the market to buy a outrigger with a cockpit for multi-day cruising, some adventure racing, which will be on flat water (local lakes and rivers in NC) 85% of the time. I've narrowed down my decision between two boats.
The first is the 'Albatros' from KayakSport
http://www.kayaksport.net/boats/oc2.htm
The second is the Outrigger made by Savage River.
http://www.savageriver.com/outrigger.html
Does anyone have experience with either of these boats you'd like to share? Cheers
PS...Thanks for hosting this forum, hope to meet some of you on the water in the future.
Submitted by sirzap on Wed, 11/24/2004 - 5:31am
Hi zap. I have paddled both of these boats and own an Albatross from KayakSport. Are you in Toronto, Canada? Personally because I have paddled this boat in every Lake condition since June, my preference is for the Albatross I bought. It is a much more solid construction than the Surfrigger (by Diller at Savage River). A friend of mine in TO owns a Surfrigger from savage River and has had some cracking with the seat frame and deck where the Iakos attach (for his fibreglass version. My Albatross (Carbon/Kevlar) is one solid constructed boat. Stiff and Strong. It is shorter at 21 feet vs the Surfrigger at 23 feet and much more suited for the type of water we paddle in. It is not as narrow and has more volume so it's suited for big water bodies, it turns better and surfs great when the waves come out here ;-). Lots of Albatrosses have been sold in Toronto this year and the feedback for it's first year has been great. On the lake the Surfrigger is less stable and not great for Surfing here. The Albatross is a great overall boat especially when you consider the costs/construction and if you live in Toronto the local support by the company owner which is superb. If you want to know more send me an e-mail at dgenn - at - rogers - dot - com.
#1 Wed, 11/24/2004 - 9:52am
Sorry Zap I see you are close in NC :-)
#2 Wed, 11/24/2004 - 9:54am
Check out the new testamonial pages at www.outrigger.ca
#3 Sat, 11/27/2004 - 11:45am
Pittbrah
I had hoped to travel to NY for a test run in the Albatross, but may have to wait until sping now. Has anyone installed a hatch to put a small amount of gear in the hull? Would a rear hatch interfere with the rudder cables? Do you think a Spirit Sail would work for a down wind run?
http://www.spiritsails.com/home.shtml
It never hurts to have a little wind assistance, when possible. :wink:
My email is
nelam@carolina.rr.com
Cheers, Neil
#4 Thu, 12/02/2004 - 4:13am
This years model does not have a hatch, although you can probably install one fairly easily if you are handy with fiberglass/epoxy. However you will need to ensure the compartment is water tight as well under the rear deck. Cables are not a major problem. Next spring a rear hatch model will be available for people who want a hatch that is designed to be watertight. Talk with Mike at kayaksport.net or send him an e-mail. Sails like the one you mention would mount the same as the deck/cockpit is similar to a Kayaks.
#5 Thu, 12/02/2004 - 7:52am