Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

How do I rig the canoe?
What do the different settings mean?
How do I re-cable my Hurricane/OZ canoe?
How do I know what the correct paddle length is for me for an OC-1?
My iakos don't go into the sleeve in the hull easily and I fight to rig it, how can I make rigging easier?
Sometimes I can't turn the collet on the iako after I put the iako in the hull sleeve, what is wrong?
What will happen if I don’t line up the collet notch with a iako groove?
What is the best way to carry my canoe?
Am I the right size for the Hurricane?
How do I attach my leash?
If I don't have a leash, what should I do?
The seat is uncomfortable for me, how can I solve this problem?
My canoe is not very responsive when I press the pedals, ie, my canoe does not turn well, what is wrong?
I have some minor cracks, how do I fix the canoe?
Do I need to unscrew the drain plugs every time I am finished paddling?
I hit bottom with my rudder and it rubs the hull now so I can't turn, do I need a new one or can I fix it?
How do I move the seat?
I lost my drain plug, what do I do if I can't get one right away from my distributor?
My canoe leaks, what should I look for and how do I find it on my own?
My canoe works very well in the flat, but I can't surf it so well, what can I do?
I am unstable when I paddle on the right, how can I become more stable and confident?

1. How do I rig the canoe?

A: First rig the iako to the ama, then the iako to the hull. Feel inside the ama sleeve to understand it is a tounge and groove system. Put the iako into the sleeve, but parallel with the ama, then when you reach the desired setting, turn the iako 90 degrees towards the hull. If you hear the iako start to crunch; stop! Move the iako up or down a little and try again until it turns easily. Now to put iako in the hull: Set round collet to the desired setting. Hold your hand on the edge of the collet so it does not move and line up the notches in the collet with the grooves in the sleeve. Push iako and collet as one into the sleeve and twist clockwise until it stops. It should turn about one quarter of a turn. If the collet does not turn, take it out and make sure it is fitted into the desired notch on the iako and carefully push back into the hull and try again. Now you are locked in and ready to go.

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2. What do the different settings mean?

A: Front ama sleeve: The deeper the iako goes into the front ama sleeve, the higher out of the water the front of the ama will ride, and vice versa.

Back ama sleeve: The deeper the iako goes into the back ama sleeve, the higher out of the water the back will ride, and vice versa.

Generally, if you put the iako deeper (line 4-6) in the front ama sleeve, it will pull the front of the ama out of the water, and if you put the back iako shallow (line 1 - 3), it will push the back down. This is the preferred setting as you generally want the front of the ama out of the water and its tail in the water. Physics say that by putting one iako in deep, the canoe wants to lean to the left, but if you put the outher in shallow, it will counter the lean and keep the hull stable and level.

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However, for the most stable rig, put both iakos all the way in to 6 and the boat will list to the ama side. This may make it a little unlevel, but less prone to tipping over. This is not recommended. Depending on your level of proficiency, adjust to different settings according to the law of physics and the advice above.

Iako to hull: the lower the setting the farther out the ama is from the hull and the more stable the rig will be. This does not necessarily mean the canoe will go slower. It may make it harder to "pop" the ama out of the water if you are trying to "pop ama", but all variables nullified, speed will be the same. Generally the canoe was designed to be rigged with the same number on both iakos, however, some radicals have tried using different settings for the front and back, and some say they like it better. You can do your own testing if you are curious.

3. How do I re-cable my Hurricane/OZ canoe?

A: SEE DOCUMENT: Re-cabling instructions… add here.

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4. How do I know what the correct paddle length is for me for an OC-1?

A: First let’s state that an OC-1 sits lower than an OC-6, so a paddle for an OC-1 is shorter than a paddle for an OC-6. In general, a paddle that sizes from the ground up to the top of your armpit is about right. However, there is a long person and short person variable. A long person may use a paddle that falls short of their armpit and a short person may use a paddle that lifts their shoulder a little when the paddle is standing from the ground up to the armpit. Additionally, some people have personal preferences and like a paddle that is longer or shorter than the norm. Below is a chart that can be used as a guideline, and half sizes can be factored in for the technical minded paddler:

Height of paddler size of paddle

5’ - 5’2”                         47” - 48”
5’2” - 5’4”                       48” – 49”
5’4” - 5’6”                       49”
5’6” – 5’8”                      49” – 50”
5’8” – 5’10”                    50” – 51”
5’10” – 6’                       51”
6’ – 6’2”                         51” – 52”
6’2” – 6’4”                      52” – 53”
6’4” – 6’6”                      53” – 54”

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5. My iakos don't go into the sleeve in the hull easily and I fight to rig it, how can I make rigging easier?

A: First try insert the iako into the hull without being attached to the ama. If it goes in easily, there is an alignment problem and there is a solution: Put the front in first then stand behind the back iako facing the iako. Put your left leg (outside of shin) on the iako. Hold the back of the canoe with your right arm: maybe brace it between your right leg and right arm. Then put pressure on your left leg to straighten out the iako as you push it in with your left hand, twist the locking mechanism and release. If you put enough pressure on the iako, with the counter pressure from holding the canoe with your right limbs, the iako should flex enough to go straight in.

Another possible problem is that your iako is too fat. Try put it in without being attached to the ama and see if it pops right in or if it is sticky. If this is the case, sand it down or trade it in for one that fits.

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6. Sometimes I can't turn the collet on the iako after I put the iako in the hull sleeve, what is wrong?

A: The notch of the collect is not in one of the iako grooves.

7. What will happen if I don’t line up the collet notch with a iako groove?

A: You won’t be able to turn the collet and the iako will not lock in. the iako may slide out when paddling.

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8. What is the best way to carry my canoe?

A: There are a few good ways to carry your canoe depending on your size, wind conditions and where it may be going next. But always remember first to find the balance point. Second thing to remember is that there is 10 feet of canoe in front and behind you, so watch out when you make turns. Take the time to carry your canoe smart because most of canoe injury is sustained outside the water.

- Ama Hang: The most common beginner method and often used in many circumstances is the Ama Hang. Easy to pick up but you can’t walk over any big bumps or down steps, etc… if you are too short. Put canoe hull on your shoulder and hang the ama down near your legs. Best to have the top side face your head .

- Upside Down/Backward: The Upside Down also needs to be Backwards. Very good hold when it is windy and you need to hold your canoe stable. Also very easy to pick up your canoe. Face the back of the canoe and stand near the seat on the opposite side of the ama. Put paddle in your left hand and grab the back iako with your left hand. Simultaneously cradle the hull in your right arm. You will lift the tail first. And as you stand up you lift the tail off the ground and nudge the hull on your shoulder as you bring the iako over and down. Hold your left hand and iako in front of your face with shoulder holding the seat area. Keep right arm around canoe. To put down, go back the way you got it up: put the nose down first, lower your right arm as you bring the canoe to right side up and gently put it down.

- Right Side Up: This is a great carry to go straight into the water and is very comfortable, you just need to be long enough and/or get the right handhold. Stand inside the iakos near your seat. Put right arm under the hull and as you lift off the ground, bring your right hand all the way around the hull until you are holding on to the edge of the opposite footwell. This makes such a good handhold that you can easily rotate the hull horizontal or even lift the ama vertically. If you are long enough, you can put your left hand out to help hold the ama to spread the load and make the carry more stable.

- Surfboard carry: This is good if your canoe is on the beach very near the water and you don’t want to pick the canoe all the way up. You stand in the center of the canoe, between the hull and ama, put your arm around the hull like you would a surfboard and hold the ama with your left hand, palm up. Stand up and walk into the water.

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9. Am I the right size for the Hurricane?

A: Probably. Unless you are 220 lbs. or more the Hurricane will work. There are a number of 200 + pound paddlers on the canoe that don’t just love it, they perform very well. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too big or too small for a canoe until you have done some testing for yourself. Personal preference plays a huge part in your decision.

10. How do I attach my leash?

A: Under the seat track near the front, there is a small gap that you can fit your string into.

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11. If I don't have a leash, what should I do?

A: You can use a rope, some rubber tire or any type of cordage you can find. Just fashion it to the canoe and your leg. If you don’t have anything, you should use good judgment as to if you should go out, depending on the conditions and where you are paddling, and with whom.

12. The seat is uncomfortable for me, how can I solve this problem?

A: If you are not used to paddling an OC-1, your butt may get sore and/or your leg may fall asleep. One solution is that the more you do it, the more accustomed your body will get and eventually the pain will go away. But in the meantime you are uncomfortable so you can get a foam seat and use Velcro to attach it, or you can bring a small foam pad with you and when your butt gets sore, put it under your tail bone so that you take the weight off the butt bones.

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13. My canoe is not very responsive when I press the pedals, ie, my canoe does not turn well, what is wrong?

A: The cables in the Hurricane is comprised of many strands of spectra rope. Spectra is cordage so if you twist it, it will bunch up. And when cordage bunches up, it gets shorter. So, pull your foot pedal back and pull the spectra “cable” through the foot pedal so the knot is now on the other side of the pedal. Then take both your hands and twist, making sure that the cable is twisting inside of the canoe. You have to twist some 15 or 20 times before you will notice a difference. Do this one pedal at a time and you will find the cable shorten up.

14. I have some minor cracks, how do I fix the canoe?

A: Depends somewhat on the nature of the crack. For cracks in the seam or similar, tape off the area, give it a light sanding and fill with two part epoxy putty using a putty knife or squeegie. You can find this type of putty at just about any hardware store. Make sure the crack is dry and clean. You might also suck air out of the canoe thru the drain plug to suck the putty deeper into the crack cavity...ensure a good seal.

If it is a pressure crack under the seat area or in an area that is exposed to consistent stress, the above method is likely to fail because the crack will re-open when the stress is applied again. If this is the case, you might have to reinforce it with carbon cloth and epoxy resin, which entails more work and expertise (but otherwise is essentially the same process).

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15. Do I need to unscrew the drain plugs every time I am finished paddling?

A: No, there are breathers. However, if you store in the sun for long periods of time, it won’t hurt to open them.

16. I hit bottom with my rudder and it rubs the hull now so I can't turn, do I need a new one or can I fix it?

A: You may be able to straighten out the shaft in a stationary vice grip. Protect the shaft with a cloth and tighten the grip to the shaft. Then bend the shaft back to straight position.

17. How do I move the seat?

A: Push the button and the seat moves back. To go forward, just move yourself freely.

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18. I lost my drain plug, what do I do if I can't get one right away from my distributor?

A: Depending on the type of canoe you have, you can buy plugs at the hardware store. If it is a rubber stopper type plug, you can buy rubber stoppers from the hardware store. If it is a screw plug Hurricane, you can get a stainless steel screw and rubber gasket. The current models are all 10 mm.

19. My canoe leaks, what should I look for and how do I find it on my own?

A: There are a few things you can do to detect leaks. First, get a friend and do the soap trick. Have your friend blow air through the drain plug and hold the pressure. Then you walk around the boat and 1. listen for air hissing and 2, put soapy water around and look for bubbles. If you find bubbles you have found the source of the leak. However, sometimes the air doesn’t make it out, but water can come in. This is the case of a seam leak. For seam issues, you need to look carefully at your seam for a hairline crack. If you think you detect one, put your mouth to the area in question and seal your lips around it, and suck. If you can suck air, you have found a leak. You can also look for salt build up at the seam after you canoe has been sitting for a day or so. Other suspect areas might be the screws that hold the seat track, especially if you have ever removed the track. Also check the rudder post sleeve. Take out the rudder, plug one side with your finger and try to blow or suck air through. In rare instances, it may leak by the cable housing entrance at the rear of the canoe. The soap trick should find this one. Finally, if all else seems sealed, and you have been paddling in rough seas, it may be coming in from the vent hole in the middle of the screw that holds the foot pedal tension bungee.

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20. My canoe works very well in the flat, but I can't surf it so well, what can I do?

A: Keep getting in the surf. The Hurricane is very capable of surfing well. You need to first become stable in rough water and in the surf so that the right side is your friend. Then you need to work the quartering swell as much as possible. Don’t go point to point, but move around in the ocean to get the right direction that works for the canoe at the right time. This direction will constantly be changing. Learn when to go hard and when to rest. You need energy and power to catch a bump. Best advise is to do it a lot.

21. I am unstable when I paddle on the right, how can I become more stable and confident?

A: This comes with time and practice. But you need to know how to catch yourself when the ama comes up. Use the backside of your paddle like a butter knife and spread it on the water. This motion when done properly will put pressure on the paddle and push the ama back down. It is like a crutch. You can lean on a crutch and push your body back in the opposite direction. The best time to practice this is when you are on a wave. Extend your arm and therefore paddle away from the canoe and let the water catch the back side of the paddle. When you feel pressure on the paddle, lean on it and “pop” the ama in the air. This sensation gives you confidence in how to put the ama back on the water from the right side. Practice this as much as you can and after many times flipping, you will become better and then you will become stable. Then you can paddle strong on the right and you will become faster.

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