Submitted: 04-17-2006 by brazilbrasil 
I spent a lot of time researching and trying out boats before deciding on the Outer Island. Fit and finish is excellent. Quality is superb. Fiberglass bulkheads and valley hatches make this a very dry boat. Incredibly stable. Have been out in two to three foot seas and in some pretty strong currents and have had no issues. This boat laughs at boat wakes too...bigger the better. Secondary stability is amazing. You know what this boat is doing at all times. Excellent glide and does not impair or restrict the paddlers ability in any way.
Turning and handling: The boat turns just fine. You just have to initiate the turn is all. You will not be able to turn the boat quickly without a solid lean and some paddle control but with a little practice you will turn it very quickly and it is amazing what this will do for your skill level in a more rockered boat.
Every boat is a compromise. This boat for me just presents less compromises than benefits, and I would strongly recommend it to paddlers with moderate skill levels. |