OC 1 Review - Opinion - Fusion - Outrigger Connection (draft)

• GENERAL

The Fusion is designed to excel in open ocean downwind conditions. And this is does ! As we all know, this boat has an impeccable performance record in the Molokai Hoe Championships with Karel Tresnak Jr. 'at the helm'.
It is one of the higher volume outrigger canoes. This makes the model especially attractive for paddlers above 200 lbs.

• Technical data
• Displacement
• Length overall
• Length of waterline
• Beam/ Beam at waterline
• Draft
  
• Looks
• Details
• Seat - the seat arrangement is super comfortable in Outrigger Connection designs. A look at the photos will give you a good idea. Seats are available in different sizes, ex. taller people sit further behind. The gunnels are pulled up - this gives the seat extra stability and a very good feedback to your hips.
• Footwells - these are two seperate wells, generously enough spaced to be comfortable for all size of feet. The two Venturi drains are quiet and do a great job.
• Rudder - a relatively large rudder, available im two basic shapes.
• Ama/Iakus - the ama has a pretty decent volume. It is quiet on the water. I hardly feet it while paddling. The iakus are availble in aluminum, in the past carbon iakus were available, they are a little lighter. The set up is very easy, a set of screws keeps the iakus in place. A very good and stable solution.
• Chines - the Fusion has two relatively soft chines. While this feature does not significantly increase drag, it does help the boat to track very well on the wave surface. 
• Performance
• In The Flat
• The Fusion is not a flat water canoe. Canoes designed for optimal flat water performance generally have a narrower entry at the bow and less rocker. If you own a Fusion you can make it work in the flats; it will require you to work a little more.
  
• Upwind
• I like the upwind performance of the Fusion. The boat feels safe and always in control. It cuts the oncoming wave sufficiently to not slam down excessively into the trough. The trim is good and the performance is definitely competitive in these conditions.
  
• Sea On Beam
• One particular thing that some beginners experience is that the Fusion 'can huli without a warning'. Indeed, I remember it: once I felt the huli coming, I was already in the water. Later, this feature - likely due to hull shape specifics, good secondary stability - becomes a plus. It allows you to fly the ama easily at any degree. The Fusion takes beam on sea generally very well.
  
• Downwind/Following Sea
• Small Chop: If you are not an expert then you will experience the performance in small chop somewhat similar to flat water conditions.
• Medium: Now you are entering the waters that this vessel was designed for. The 'take off' is still requiring some intense work but once you're on the wave the boat is fast, precise and very comfortable.
  
• Large: "The size of a wave may be measured by the awe that it provokes in you". 'Large' is for me when it starts to get a little scary. Large conditions mean for me also: ' I want to be on my Fusion'. I am biased here because I own a Fusion; nevertheless this is a good boat for when it gets big: very maneuverable, great secondary stability, and the famously comfortable seat allow you to feel at home in challenging conditions.
  
• Rough: Ask Karel Jr about this one.
• Wind: I have never experienced any significant negative effects even from strong winds, side winds etc..
  

• Conclusion

Summary: A great boat for the - male - open ocean beginner, the heavier paddler above 200 lbs/ 90 plus kg, and an expert vessel for big downwind conditions.

• Pros
• Cons

View a images of the Fusion.