Hi all,
I started paddling late 2011 - after I bought my first ski, I researched this paddling game and in particular downwind paddling. I decided that a Huki S1-R might be a perfect ski for me...I'm 6'2", over 115kg and not particularly fit with no technique or balance...an average 'C' grade paddler with no intention of moving from there.
The West Coast of Australia is along way from California...So getting a Huki was always going to be difficult.
I like to buy & sell and I've owned lots of skis in that time (in excess of 20!). Always looking for a ski that might make up for some of my deficiencies.
In our local trading publication I found an advert for this Huki S1-R, it was built for the guy selling it - with a wider bucket, vacuum glass/carbon cockpit...an almost perfect fit for me. This ski was well used and not particularily well looked after...And the price asked & paid was reflective of that (not much!)...Both parties were happy with the deal.
The ski leaked...Damaged venturi drain, damage to the nose & tail, rudder(damaged) had been pushed through the bottom of the ski (repaired (cosmetically) - not very well structually), footboard/rails, pedals, cable were damaged and corroded and leg length was too short for me. There were 120 dents, dings & gouges in the hull & deck.
My offsider at work was once a boat builder (since retired) and I've messed around with boats all my life...so part therapy, part something to do after work over a beer we decided to refresh & remodel this Huki.
We made a composite footboard from some Stellar & Fenn parts, lifted and re-engineered the side and centre rail, re-worked a 9" Stellar rudder and fitted it with a Huki shaft, new inspection port (just for cosmetic reasons). we added carbon (centre) hand grips (the block of wood was the template/mould), re-did the steering using dyneema line, made and fitted new scuppers for the venturis, ground out the repairs and re-did them, filled and faired the ski and repainted the ski using 2 pack polyurethane paint - Stellar's Zinc Yellow to match some of my other skis.
About 15 hours work spread over 6 weeks and about a carton and half of beer!
vimeo.com/160445523
The only shame is that I cannot find any clubs close to town... SUP seems to be the go to sport.
