Thought this would be as good a place as any to ask a question about the Finn Molokai. Does anyone know where I could get a Molokai MkII nose cone made for my craft for Avon?
Also my input to the debate:
When upgrading from a Spirit Plastic Racing Ski, I wanted something a bit faster (getting left behind by mates in PRS and molokai mkI), tried the molokai mkI, hated it, just didn't feel very stable or comfortable, tried the PRS and was impressed by the stability of it, although heavier.
Then tried the mk2 and was impressed by the weight, speed and comfort (seems very comfy) - although still getting used to the stability and cross-chop from the Mandurah Duel was hell on me. Seems to deal with waves and runners as well as Endorphins etc if not faster, but bigger waves head on seem to crash over the bow a bit and into the boat.
Percy, did you ask Alwyn? He knows some good composite-boat builders, and would probably be able to recommend someone SoR, if that's more convenient.
Actually, it's great to see some early interest in the Avon, especially as I'm still smarting at not being able to be a part of the Doctor action (due to parenting responsibility this weekend). But I hope that there'll be plenty of us doing downwinds for a while yet – I've heard the comment that once the Doctor's over, ocean paddlers seem to go to ground.
So to all Doctor participants, have a great paddle and keep in touch for more summer downwinds. And then hopefully we'll still be relatively fit for the start of Avon training.
I haven't spoken to Alwyn at all, should I? As in Alwyn Duke? I don't know any other Alwyns...
Well I thought 6 months prior to the race would be good, but with the Duel and the Doctor around this time, why would I miss out...
Although the Coastal Challenge this weekend is looking like me doing solo (HELL NO!) since my team has bailed. Really enjoyed good runners on the Molokai and would like to do it again.
Karen, if you can't do the doctor, the coastal challenge is a day later...
Supposedly I need a squad to get into training. If anyone is interested in the Stirling Hwy area, I hit the river on Wednesdays.
Percy - I have a group of varying size (and varying speeds) that meets at UWA Boat Shed on Wednesdays and paddles around Heirisson Island and back. 13.7km and we are on the water at 5:30pm sharp - they don't even wait for me if I'm late.
Once downwind season comes to a very sad end, we get a bit more serious about this Wednesday paddle. Let me know if it suits and I'll add you to my email list.
As for the Coastal Challenge, if you come to the Doctor rego this evening you should be able to find people to cobble together a team.
If you could sign me up that would be good, I might have a couple of tag alongs that will check it out on the day, what sort of winds do you hope for doing this sort of run?
Head up to in2kayaks in clarkson, i know they made a couple of carbon/glass nose cones for mk1's Avon before last.
Got one for my prs from there last year as did 'spirit' for some of their team boats.
I'd say have a chat and see what he can do for you
Submitted by dangerman on Mon, 05/24/2010 - 19:55.
I've paddled the Mk2 for several months (on loan from a friend)and think it's ok. But, I keep getting told by Finn, yep, we are improving it and it will be ready in 2 weeks......I've had that line since August of last year and pulled the pin on my order recently.
For a boat that does it all (flatwater, downriver and ocean) it is very good. However, it's main drawback is the miniature scupper and bathtub sized footwell. In big ocean conditions, as soon as the nose dives, litres of water rush up the bow, into your face and then into the footwell. It is so big, that the boat sinks into the water nearly up to the gunwales.
At times, I've put my legs over the side and used my paddle to empty the water. This is a major design flaw for ocean conditions but it only happens on the bigger waves.
However, if you're not looking to do ocean paddles in 25+knot winds, then you probably won't notice that. As for the Avon, a simple bilge pump would ameliorate against the bathtub factor.
Submitted by thebigadski on Mon, 08/02/2010 - 11:48.
Well I have had the pleasure of paddling this boat now for the last 2 weeks.....(MKII)
I heard all the hype, read all the Spirit VS Finn blah blah blah....fastest boat etc. and from an honest opinion based on my paddling experience and a paddling partners experience I have come to the following conclusion:
1. Finn Molokai is definitely faster
2. Finn Molokai is definitely more comfortable to paddle long distances (personal)
3. When u hear all the hype - do yr research as always it's the engine behind that makes it fast!!!
4. It really looks ugly!
5. looks are deceiving!
6. Yes there were some initial leakage problems!
7. The Molokai I have now does not leak!
8. I will be paddling, pulling and carrying one for this years Descent!
9. They do survive mishaps from roof racks (not mine!!)
& 10.I may have to do a few more races in one and place my Think UNO to one side!!!
Submitted by A paddler with no name... on Tue, 05/11/2010 - 20:14.
Wow with these great "refinements" on the Finn Molokai It sounds like it has the paddle challenge sewn up this weekend, I don't think i will race my PRS as it looks like i'm in for a flogging.
But then again i suppose i better race and see what the hype is all about....oh and i might try to have crack while i'm there.
Submitted by A paddler with no name... on Mon, 05/17/2010 - 19:53.
The Finn Molokai is becoming a fantastic boat , unfortunately it has taken quite a while to get there . You are a fantastic plastic paddler Justin( especially without the sarcasm !!) - why not get the two of you together and see what happens :) Dave C
Why are you buying a new boat and what are you currently paddling?
Cos if you're not doing the avon you can buy a glass ski for a similar price.
In the last 6 months some new boats out of China have come on the market and the second hand market in Perth has seen a dramatic drop in prices. Boats that would fetched $2200 - $2400 last year are selling for $1800 this year. New boats with warranty can be bought for less than $2000.
Plastic boats are good for bouncing off rocks but they don't compare in performance to glass skis.
The new Finn Molokai is 20kg?? That's up 4kg from the original and seems like it takes away the Finn's advantage over the PRS (22kg from memory). Is that what Finn is advertising it as, or just what your particular model weighs?
Submitted by A paddler with no name... on Fri, 03/26/2010 - 14:52.
Hi ski girl,
Yes the model I have at the moment is 20kg. Finn claim its 18kg. Hmmm depends on the scales being used maybe???
Spoke with Finn today and they say there will be a light vesion about 15kg and a more robust version 18kg.
They have been refining the quality of the build and are hoping to have the new boats ready for production in about 2 weeks.
Yes your right you can get a faster ski in glass or composite.
But for the average paddler the plastic skis are a great alternative.
The other great thing about the plastic skis is in the plastic racing divisions the competion is a lot closer. You don't find youself getting blown away by some elite paddler.
I agree with Ski Girl - also think about why you are buying the boat and what your paddling aims are. Many of the high speed/light molokai style plastic racing skis seemed to have a magnetic attraction for rocks last year (and the thin noses meant that there were a fair few holes to try and fix before and during the Avon Descent). If you are a great paddler who can avoid rocks this won't really be a problem. If you're still working on paddling long boats in white water holes in the nose can make life very difficult.
If you are buying a boat for the Avon Descent, you should also consider that your needs will be different depending on whether you are aiming to get over the finish line or aiming to get over the finish line at the top of your class. Faster often means less stable, which means more time swimming, which means less energy available and more chance of energy.
I've tried the PRS and really enjoyed it (not bad for a ski says the kayak fanatic) but haven't tried the Finn. I do think the Spirit PRS looks like a more polished job than the Finn Molokai... (which shouldn't make a difference but does to me - and I'm not really biased as one of my favourite fool around boats is my Finn Multisport kayak).
Submitted by A paddler with no name... on Mon, 03/22/2010 - 14:21.
I have been paddling the Finn for 6 months now.
The MK1 was terrible and only good as a float.
I have been paddling the MK2 for 5 weeks now and I still can't get over how good it is. I have tried glass skis and plastics and reckon this is the best yet. at 20kg its not light but being a plastic it takes all the pain out droping it and hitting things.
It is excellent to paddle in rough conditions and loves waves were it is at its best.
If you want to challenge yourself and your looking for performance try the Finn its awsome.
Check with Finn. last time I talked to them they were still trying to improve the over all finish and were not making new ones as yet.
Paddle it and see what you think! I paddled the original one very briefly and absolutely hated it. The seat was uncomfortable and the foot pedals flexed, and there were places on the hull I could push in with my hand. However there are several guys doing very well in it and Finn has made some mods to this new batch.
The Spirit PRS is possibly faster (Finn says their boat was the fastest plastic in the Avon last year, but that was in a team of two - the solo was won by a PRS).
The Finn is lighter but if you intend to take it down the Avon Descent you may find that having less plastic in the boat (which is why it's lighter) means that it bends more easily, thus ending your race.
If you're considering the Finn, try the PRS as well!!
Finn Molokai Mk 2 - Nose Cone?
Hey All,
Thought this would be as good a place as any to ask a question about the Finn Molokai. Does anyone know where I could get a Molokai MkII nose cone made for my craft for Avon?
Also my input to the debate:
When upgrading from a Spirit Plastic Racing Ski, I wanted something a bit faster (getting left behind by mates in PRS and molokai mkI), tried the molokai mkI, hated it, just didn't feel very stable or comfortable, tried the PRS and was impressed by the stability of it, although heavier.
Then tried the mk2 and was impressed by the weight, speed and comfort (seems very comfy) - although still getting used to the stability and cross-chop from the Mandurah Duel was hell on me. Seems to deal with waves and runners as well as Endorphins etc if not faster, but bigger waves head on seem to crash over the bow a bit and into the boat.
Nose cone
Percy, did you ask Alwyn? He knows some good composite-boat builders, and would probably be able to recommend someone SoR, if that's more convenient.
Actually, it's great to see some early interest in the Avon, especially as I'm still smarting at not being able to be a part of the Doctor action (due to parenting responsibility this weekend). But I hope that there'll be plenty of us doing downwinds for a while yet – I've heard the comment that once the Doctor's over, ocean paddlers seem to go to ground.
So to all Doctor participants, have a great paddle and keep in touch for more summer downwinds. And then hopefully we'll still be relatively fit for the start of Avon training.
Coastal Challenge? + Avon Squad
I haven't spoken to Alwyn at all, should I? As in Alwyn Duke? I don't know any other Alwyns...
Well I thought 6 months prior to the race would be good, but with the Duel and the Doctor around this time, why would I miss out...
Although the Coastal Challenge this weekend is looking like me doing solo (HELL NO!) since my team has bailed. Really enjoyed good runners on the Molokai and would like to do it again.
Karen, if you can't do the doctor, the coastal challenge is a day later...
Supposedly I need a squad to get into training. If anyone is interested in the Stirling Hwy area, I hit the river on Wednesdays.
Thanks
Wednesday training squad
Percy - I have a group of varying size (and varying speeds) that meets at UWA Boat Shed on Wednesdays and paddles around Heirisson Island and back. 13.7km and we are on the water at 5:30pm sharp - they don't even wait for me if I'm late.
Once downwind season comes to a very sad end, we get a bit more serious about this Wednesday paddle. Let me know if it suits and I'll add you to my email list.
As for the Coastal Challenge, if you come to the Doctor rego this evening you should be able to find people to cobble together a team.
Sign Me Up For The Squad!
Hey Ski,
If you could sign me up that would be good, I might have a couple of tag alongs that will check it out on the day, what sort of winds do you hope for doing this sort of run?
Do any plastics ever do any beach runs?
Cheers,
nose cone for Molokai
Hey percy
Head up to in2kayaks in clarkson, i know they made a couple of carbon/glass nose cones for mk1's Avon before last.
Got one for my prs from there last year as did 'spirit' for some of their team boats.
I'd say have a chat and see what he can do for you
cheers
Cheers!
Thanks Cole, I'll give them a call.
Waiting Time
I've paddled the Mk2 for several months (on loan from a friend)and think it's ok. But, I keep getting told by Finn, yep, we are improving it and it will be ready in 2 weeks......I've had that line since August of last year and pulled the pin on my order recently.
For a boat that does it all (flatwater, downriver and ocean) it is very good. However, it's main drawback is the miniature scupper and bathtub sized footwell. In big ocean conditions, as soon as the nose dives, litres of water rush up the bow, into your face and then into the footwell. It is so big, that the boat sinks into the water nearly up to the gunwales.
At times, I've put my legs over the side and used my paddle to empty the water. This is a major design flaw for ocean conditions but it only happens on the bigger waves.
However, if you're not looking to do ocean paddles in 25+knot winds, then you probably won't notice that. As for the Avon, a simple bilge pump would ameliorate against the bathtub factor.
Finn Molokai
Well I have had the pleasure of paddling this boat now for the last 2 weeks.....(MKII)
I heard all the hype, read all the Spirit VS Finn blah blah blah....fastest boat etc. and from an honest opinion based on my paddling experience and a paddling partners experience I have come to the following conclusion:
1. Finn Molokai is definitely faster
2. Finn Molokai is definitely more comfortable to paddle long distances (personal)
3. When u hear all the hype - do yr research as always it's the engine behind that makes it fast!!!
4. It really looks ugly!
5. looks are deceiving!
6. Yes there were some initial leakage problems!
7. The Molokai I have now does not leak!
8. I will be paddling, pulling and carrying one for this years Descent!
9. They do survive mishaps from roof racks (not mine!!)
& 10.I may have to do a few more races in one and place my Think UNO to one side!!!
Finn Molokai vs PRS
Wow with these great "refinements" on the Finn Molokai It sounds like it has the paddle challenge sewn up this weekend, I don't think i will race my PRS as it looks like i'm in for a flogging.
But then again i suppose i better race and see what the hype is all about....oh and i might try to have crack while i'm there.
Faz
Finn Molokai
The Finn Molokai is becoming a fantastic boat , unfortunately it has taken quite a while to get there . You are a fantastic plastic paddler Justin( especially without the sarcasm !!) - why not get the two of you together and see what happens :) Dave C
Why are you buying a new boat
Why are you buying a new boat and what are you currently paddling?
Cos if you're not doing the avon you can buy a glass ski for a similar price.
In the last 6 months some new boats out of China have come on the market and the second hand market in Perth has seen a dramatic drop in prices. Boats that would fetched $2200 - $2400 last year are selling for $1800 this year. New boats with warranty can be bought for less than $2000.
Plastic boats are good for bouncing off rocks but they don't compare in performance to glass skis.
plastic fantastic
interesting comments dicko,
we should hook up for a paddle some time.
I would love to compare my Finn Molokai with your ski
Lankyhole
20kg??
Hi No Name-
The new Finn Molokai is 20kg?? That's up 4kg from the original and seems like it takes away the Finn's advantage over the PRS (22kg from memory). Is that what Finn is advertising it as, or just what your particular model weighs?
-SG
Molokai magic
Hi ski girl,
Yes the model I have at the moment is 20kg. Finn claim its 18kg. Hmmm depends on the scales being used maybe???
Spoke with Finn today and they say there will be a light vesion about 15kg and a more robust version 18kg.
They have been refining the quality of the build and are hoping to have the new boats ready for production in about 2 weeks.
Yes your right you can get a faster ski in glass or composite.
But for the average paddler the plastic skis are a great alternative.
The other great thing about the plastic skis is in the plastic racing divisions the competion is a lot closer. You don't find youself getting blown away by some elite paddler.
Finn and Spirit Plastics
I agree with Ski Girl - also think about why you are buying the boat and what your paddling aims are. Many of the high speed/light molokai style plastic racing skis seemed to have a magnetic attraction for rocks last year (and the thin noses meant that there were a fair few holes to try and fix before and during the Avon Descent). If you are a great paddler who can avoid rocks this won't really be a problem. If you're still working on paddling long boats in white water holes in the nose can make life very difficult.
If you are buying a boat for the Avon Descent, you should also consider that your needs will be different depending on whether you are aiming to get over the finish line or aiming to get over the finish line at the top of your class. Faster often means less stable, which means more time swimming, which means less energy available and more chance of energy.
I've tried the PRS and really enjoyed it (not bad for a ski says the kayak fanatic) but haven't tried the Finn. I do think the Spirit PRS looks like a more polished job than the Finn Molokai... (which shouldn't make a difference but does to me - and I'm not really biased as one of my favourite fool around boats is my Finn Multisport kayak).
Molakai
I have been paddling the Finn for 6 months now.
The MK1 was terrible and only good as a float.
I have been paddling the MK2 for 5 weeks now and I still can't get over how good it is. I have tried glass skis and plastics and reckon this is the best yet. at 20kg its not light but being a plastic it takes all the pain out droping it and hitting things.
It is excellent to paddle in rough conditions and loves waves were it is at its best.
If you want to challenge yourself and your looking for performance try the Finn its awsome.
Check with Finn. last time I talked to them they were still trying to improve the over all finish and were not making new ones as yet.
paddle it . . . .
Paddle it and see what you think! I paddled the original one very briefly and absolutely hated it. The seat was uncomfortable and the foot pedals flexed, and there were places on the hull I could push in with my hand. However there are several guys doing very well in it and Finn has made some mods to this new batch.
The Spirit PRS is possibly faster (Finn says their boat was the fastest plastic in the Avon last year, but that was in a team of two - the solo was won by a PRS).
The Finn is lighter but if you intend to take it down the Avon Descent you may find that having less plastic in the boat (which is why it's lighter) means that it bends more easily, thus ending your race.
If you're considering the Finn, try the PRS as well!!