OC-2 Comparisons: Outrigger Zone Tempest vs. Huki V2-X

OC-2 Comparisons: Outrigger Zone Tempest vs. Huki V2-X

We are looking to purchase an OC-2 for recreational paddling and we have it narrowed down to the Tempest and the V2-X. Any comments on the pro's and con's of each would be appreciated.
Our use will be the NY Harbor, LI Sound and Jersey Shore areas, primarily recreation paddling for a couple in their 50's and 60's rather than racing. The idea is to get out on the water together in an outrigger. Stability afloat, sitting position (OC-2's vs what we are used to in OC-6's), structural durability and ease of transport are all areas of concern.
Thank you in advance,
Steven.

Submitted by stc.personal on


If all you want to do is rec paddling then almost anything will do. I think you should just look for the most inexpensive boat. Take a look at the Alwave. The OC2 is only 3500.00. http://www.oceanpaddlesports.com/site/index.php/news/index-single/look_…


#1 Sun, 01/31/2016 - 1:01pm


I've paddled both and used to own a Huki V2-X, my preference hands down is the Tempest for various reasons. In my opinion it is more comfortable, in the Huki my left leg/butt would always fall asleep. I also prefer the footwells on the Tempest. I'm not sure if Huki still has the exterior venturies, if they do they are prone to falling off after time. I do find that the Huki seems more durable but if I was in the market again for an OC2 it would definitely be the Tempest. It's a very sweet responsive ride.
Good luck with your search!


#2 Sun, 01/31/2016 - 7:48pm


Heck! I'd go for a V3 and let the grandkids stroke or steer? "No Ruddah Bruddah."


#3 Mon, 02/01/2016 - 3:19pm


I haven't paddled a Tempest, but my wife and I own a Huki V2-X, and we really love it. We're in our 50's, and while I use it occasionally for racing we primarily use it for outings together (we live in the Midwest). It is a rugged boat, and quite stable (and fast). I like the stub iakos that Huki provides for transporting the ama - it greatly simplifies transportation. We've owned the boat around 5 years at this point; no issued with venturis falling off (other than when I whacked a rock in a river...). I can't compare comfort to the Tempest, but it's comfortable for us. When we bought it new from Huki my wife really liked being able to select a custom paint scheme. We also had a custom front iako fabricated that allows us to use either kayak or canoe paddles. The rudder system on the Huki is a superb system that allows quick and easy removal/installation/swapping of rudders. It's a very nice boat overall, and a blast to paddle!


#4 Mon, 02/08/2016 - 3:54pm


I own a Tempest (actually it's my wife's, but she lets me use it) and our club has a couple of Hukis - though I think it might be a V2-X (?).
I'm 200 pounds, and the Huki doesn't work if it's me and another 200 pounder. The boat is practically a submarine. If it's me and a 130 pounder (not my wife's weight, FYI), it works only with me in the front. The seats are a little uncomfortable over long distance. The overall build of the boat has been very solid. It's a club boat and it gets a lot of use, and not always gently. Doesn't sound like you're interested in speed, but this boat is fastest on flat water
Our Tempest is a very comfortable boat. Seats are great. Paddler weights don't seem to matter as much, though I'm not sure I've tested it with two 200 pounders. I did some time trials with a 120 pound guy and myself swapping seats and there was no appreciable difference in speed. I've done some bigger down-winds (as big as my 60 mile long lake would allow) with me and a 140 pound guy in the front and the boat was amazing.
On a separate note, we purchased a weed-shedding rudder and it is horrible on the boat. The regular rudder is awesome.
And a warning, OC-2's are sometimes referred to as Divorcee-2's. My wife is much happier paddling with her boyfriend than me....
Don M
Penticton, Canada


#5 Wed, 02/10/2016 - 1:01pm


Kahuna - must not be a V2-X your club has; the V2-X works quite well with a pair of 200 lb+ paddlers. A friend who has one raced against mine, and both of us are 200 lb and had 200 lbs partners. Plenty buoyant!


#6 Thu, 02/11/2016 - 7:26pm


You're right. It's a Tandem Z. I've attached a picture of my wife and her boyfriend racing me and my partner (mostly 'cause it's a cool picture showing the rough conditions we race in here in Canada....)
Don M
Penticton, Canada


#7 Thu, 02/11/2016 - 9:53pm


Beautiful place to paddle! Here are a couple of photos of our V2-X; one of my wife and me on a local lake, and the other of a friend and me at a race on Lake Michigan (we opted to paddle "OK-2" in that race - note the oversized front iako to allow the use of a kayak paddle).


#8 Fri, 02/12/2016 - 1:29pm


Page loaded in 0.054 seconds.