Kapa'a
Posted on Jun 15, 2010
The Kapa'a is for sale. It is the second of two unlimited design six-person canoes built by Kamanu Composites specifically for the inaugural Pa'a Eono Hoe race in May 2010. Being the second of two canoes built in succession, we are more confident in its construction quality, which is the reason for selling it over the Kawainui. We are looking for a team, sponsor, or local canoe club willing to become early adopters and lead our sport into the future.
DESIGN The Kapa'a is a radical experiment in canoe design.
To explain the Kapa'a, it's necessary to understand our first canoe the Kawainui. The Kawainui started as a hull optimized for flatwater speed with certain boundary limits. These limits were loosely based off modern Hawaiian outrigger canoes. The hull was then modified for performance in rough conditions.
Waterline length was kept short at 36’6”. Seating and 'iako placement were kept similar to current canoe designs. The weight distribution determined by the seating kept the center of buoyancy similarly positioned, as well as a rocker profile that’s not radically different. However, no weight or design restrictions opened up the field for new possibilities. A design weight of 200 lbs lifted the Kawainui an inch higher out of the water. Entry and exits along the full length of the canoe were streamlined unlike any Spec canoe could possibly do. Waterline width was increased to 20.5". Reserve buoyancy was added with a wider maximum width of 21.5". A streamlined deck was created to add overall stiffness and to remove the need for a gunnel. Overall design length came to 44'4".
The Kapa'a evolved as an adaptation of the Kawainui. The first changes were made to improve its flat water speed: increasing the waterline to 38'4" and reducing the waterline width to 19.5". The second and most radical change is the movement of weight and volume distribution nearly 18" forward of the Kawainui's. This places the center of buoyancy and weight forward of center, with the goal of making this the easiest canoe in the world to drop into waves. These changes force the rocker profile forward with a longer release aft; most similar to recent developments seen in the oc1 and surfski markets. The max width was increased to 22" for even more reserve buoyancy. Finally, overall length was reduced to 41'9" in an effort to increase maneuverability in the surf.
The result is a canoe that works exceptionally well downwind. It made crossing the Kaiwi Channel an indescribably fun experience. See photos from the race.
CONSTRUCTION The Kapa'a is strip planked out of half inch foam core for incredible stiffness and lightness. Stations were CNC cut every 12" that accurately represent the original CAD model. The laminate is primarily s-glass with very limited selected areas reinforced with carbon for overall stiffness. The resin used is vinylester. The paint is gelcoat. The weight is about 188 lbs, while the Kawainui is 205 lbs. Two people can load it on a trailer.
PRICE Asking $15,000. Comes with canvas. No ama or 'iako, but rigs well with any Hawaiian style ama and 'iako. Demo practice available out of Kailua.
Our sport is undergoing a revolutionary change. There will inevitably become more and more races that do not adhere to the artificial design restrictions of the past 30 years. For a little while, there will only be a few canoes that have such a competitive advantage. Get in one of those canoes; you will undoubtedly have more fun.