OCPaddler.com | One Paddler's Rigging 'Guide'

Just Paddle

Hey eckhart, do you know if the ama measurement is just raised depth in the back iako insertion point from bottoming out?

#1 Thu, 01/08/2009 - 9:18am

eckhart diestel

I asked about that, too. It seems to be : iako all the way in and then pulled out by the measurements that Paul wrote down.

#2 Thu, 01/08/2009 - 9:43am

herman

Has anyone tried these settings?? I tried the 1.5 inch all around and it felt very good!

#3 Sun, 01/11/2009 - 3:54pm

average joe

After reading about Paul's testing I tried several adjustments and found most worked better then just setting the iako all the way into the hull.
Nice to know that subtle changes can make for an improved ride.

#4 Sun, 01/11/2009 - 4:08pm

HKpaddler

Just remember that all iako's on the Outrigger Connection OC1's are not the same. They have been 'fitted' to your canoe, i.e. cut and measured to ensure a correct fit. This is why also you shouldn't use someone else's iakos as they may not necessarily fit your OC1 correctly.
So even if you have adjusted your iakos by pulling them out by 1.5 inches from the hull (this is not advised by the way), this may be a different measurement to someone else who has done the same thing.
Just something to note ...

#5 Mon, 01/12/2009 - 3:04am

zebignu

I thought that Outrigger Connection used the same iakos on all of their boats and had been using the exact same design on all their models for many years?

#6 Mon, 01/12/2009 - 6:22am

eckhart diestel

The 'guide' is just one paddler's record of how he trimmed his Zephyr.
Naturally you should make your own little chart to see how your set up works for you in your specific water conditions.
You can also email Outrigger Connection and ask the designer of the boat for advice.
Following Paul Gay you should trim your ama by using a water balance and make sure that your deck is horizontal; ( measure while in flat water ).
Next to feel, you can do the following:
I count my strokes on a short segment of about 100 yards before/after almost every practice - upwind, turn around, downwind.
This gives me a general feel about the glide that I have that day. This info may convince me to keep a setting or change the rigging.

#7 Mon, 01/12/2009 - 7:34am

eckhart diestel

Got some more info from Outrigger Connection:
Karel Jr from OC rigs his boat leaning a little to the right.
He also wants the ama to sit on its tail, rather then on its bow.
If you ride the ama on its tail you can control it better with the hips. Especially in the surf it allows you to lift the ama above a wave. Kai Bartlett has the same type of rigging.
If you bring bow of the ama down - by bending the front iako - you will feel more control from the front iako.
Karel rigs his ama at 43 - 43.5" midline ama to midline canoe, strictly parallel.
His advice to beginners: start with whatever is stable for you.
Generally the iakos are the same, not customized for every boat.

#8 Mon, 01/12/2009 - 4:10pm

Just Paddle

Just a thought, as it doesn't appear to effect his speed, but if I rig my boat to lean right and sit neutrally won't I drag the ama more?
What tools were meant to bend the iako/
A friend has carbon fibre iakos for his Stingray, seen any on a Zephyr yet?

#9 Mon, 01/12/2009 - 11:55am

eckhart diestel

Some people bend the front iako - every body has got their own thoughts.
Jr. says that he can get the ama up easier when the boat is set up to tilt to the right.

#10 Mon, 01/12/2009 - 4:12pm

Rambo

Funny that, everyone has their own way.
I rig mine leaning sightly towards the ama, that way i'm inclined to paddle with a little more weight on my right butt which levels the canoe and lightens the ama.
I would have thought having it like Jr's set up, would have most people leaning left and compressing the ama and getting a sore butt. But hey, i ain't about to argue with Jr, but i might bring it up at diner on Friday nite in WA, there's probably a good explanation for it.
Cheers Rambo

#11 Tue, 01/13/2009 - 5:24pm

Just Paddle

Ya Rambo, that's what I posted above. I get the boat level and go.....
I tried a few variation on my Zephyr marked what felt best in a few conditions, but I am not out on the waves he is on....
(or going that fast)

#12 Tue, 01/13/2009 - 6:50pm

One Paddler's Rigging 'Guide' - Zephyr

One Paddler's Rigging 'Guide' - Zephyr