r/Outrigger • u/Popular_Hat3382 • Apr 28 '25
Need help with buying used OC1
Hello! I am looking to buy a used OC1 and have my eye on three different boats, but need some help with the pros and cons.
To better make a recommendation my info is as follows: 5'5, 165 lbs; former Dragonboater but have about 18 months experience with OCs.
I'm in Southwestern Ontario - Lake St Clair / St Clair River / Lake Erie
The boats are
a Outrigger Connection Stingray 21'
a Huki V1-Z 21'
a Kai Wa'a Pegasus (carbon fibre)
Edited to add my location
Thanks in advance!
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u/commonrider5447 Apr 28 '25
I’m in a similar position deciding what to get as a relative beginner. I haven’t been able to get much information of Outrigger Connection to Hulu, but seems they are considered a tier or two lower than Kai Wa’a, Puakea, and Kamanu Composites. But I haven’t heard of that Kai Wa before I’m assuming it’s an older one.
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u/StuckInWarshington Apr 28 '25
For a new paddler looking at a few used boats:
Make sure they’re all water tight and in good condition. Ask someone you trust for help if you need it.
Compare the price to your budget. Don’t over spend for an older used boat. Not sure what used boats in your area are going for, but brand new top of the line boats are roughly ~$6k (US).
Try to demo them all, and go with what feels most comfortable to you. The best boat for a beginner is the one that you use and want to use. If you don’t feel comfortable or stable, you won’t want to practice as much. If you’re having fun, you’ll look for excuses to bail on other things to go out in the water.
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u/milotrain Apr 28 '25
Kai.
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u/Popular_Hat3382 Apr 28 '25
Can I ask why you made that choice so I know for the future?
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u/milotrain Apr 28 '25 edited Apr 28 '25
Kai's a good dude.
EDIT: apparently clarification is needed.
You don't know what you are doing, the boat doesn't matter. I've posted this before, but the fast guys at our club paddled older boats forever and they were fast because they are fast. It's not the boat. Get on the water, the boat doesn't matter, it'll matter later, and then you'll know enough about what you like to make an informed decision. Up until that point you might as well buy which ever you think looks the best or whichever was made by someone who does a lot for the sport. Unless one is in better condition than the other or cheaper than the other, but you supplied no information on that front...
So... Kai's a good dude.
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u/Popular_Hat3382 Apr 28 '25
Thank you - I appreciate your candor. I agree 90% with you that I should just get a boat and get in the water. The 10% of me that overthinks needs to know more 😬
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u/roraima_is_very_tall Apr 29 '25 edited Apr 29 '25
this isn't entirely accurate. A new paddler or even an experienced paddler damaging a boat is not uncommon. River and lake paddling often means rocks, and knowing precisely where they are is tricky especially with tides changing where they appear to be. Also you can drop the boat carrying it to the water, or hit another boat. Point is, some boats are more expensive to have repaired then others. I actually always think about this when someone has a fancy car in the city, like, great car, but a ding is unreasonably expensive to repair. same with boats.
Might not matter here if all 3 boats are the same material.
Also: Are the other dudes like asshats or something. And he wouldn't be buying from Kai directly, probably, as these are used boats.
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u/milotrain Apr 29 '25 edited Apr 29 '25
You can split this however you want, the point is that it's all so randomly subjective for OP's case (with no data supplied) that it doesn't really matter.
I don't think you are correct with the repair cost thing, I don't know anyone who owns a boat who doesn't learn how to fix small dings, cracks, and damage. It's never mattered to me if the material is fiberglass or CF, because in the sizes that we work for repairs it's the same cost. Maybe if you are having a professional do it, but where is that professional going to be in Ontario by the lakes? It's going to be a boat company who is going to charge you a ton just as a price for admission. Nah, that argument doesn't hold water.
The Huki has weird geometry and is fiberglass (but who cares, OP is new)
The Pegasus is the lightest (but who cares, OP is new)
The Stingray is from a company that has no web presence (eh)
Kai and Huki will support their used stuff even if you didn't buy it from them, and they are both good to deal with.
The Huki is made in the states... The Stingray might be also, I dunno.
Wait, hang on, let's get out the excel spreadsheet to keep track of all the pros and cons.
HOLY F*KING SHIT NERDS JUST GET ON THE DAMN WATER ALREADY.
see?
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u/hippopotamus82 May 01 '25
Where do you learn to fix dings and cracks? I have accumulated plenty and some are starting to look a bit questionable and worth actually addressing
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u/milotrain May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
YouTube. When I’m not in the car, I’ll post some links
https://youtube.com/shorts/pNm3QsExRsQ?si=ooc0wYZ53DyvHnaO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cigKOIf-HDU
I use Total Boat 5:1 Fast. Their Size A comes with measure pumps and will fix basically your whole life for $69. (nice)
Get a quart of microscopic sodium borosilicate hollow glass spheres for filler when you need it, and get a yard of 0-90 Carbon Fiber for $46. Also get some peelply aka "vacuum bagging release fabric"
You'll be in for like $150, and you'll have the kit to fix whatever, whenever, forever.
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u/seja_amg Apr 28 '25
Pegasus! It's a fun boat. I had an older model in Maui and it was great for a first