Tsunami 125 vs. Inuit 125

[JoeBud]

I currently have an Axis 10.5, but I am looking for something a little more on the touring side. I test paddled the Tsunami and was quite pleased with it. Native's Inuit 125 was brought to my attention recently and it looked to be a well made boat. Anyone with experience with either care to give their thoughts.

[JoeBud]

Turns out I was able to answer all my own questions this weekend at Rendezvous. I was able to borrow a friends Tsunami 125 for the weekend and OOO had a Inuit 125 available for demo.

They are both great boats, but I'm confident the Tsunami fills more of my needs/wants. Although the Inuit is extremely comfortable and the thigh pads really snug you into the boat, it is also a little tricky to get in and out of. The Tsunami definitely tracks a little better and seems a little quicker, although it does not turn as quick as the Inuit. The Tsunami mainly won my vote on stability. I felt very comfortable while edging. The Inuit, on the other hand, had a clear point of no return while edging. I did not tip, but my heart skipped a beat or two. It did not feel near as forgiving as the Tsunami. Bottom line, the Tsunami was a little quicker, tracked better and felt more stable. The Inuit is very comforable, tracks well and turns quick, but was not as stable.

[Cowper]

Thanks for the report. I got a chance to try the Inuit 125 at the Felthensal event, but have not had the "side by side" opportunity that you had.

We always talk about "primary" and "secondary" stability, but in this boat I could really feel the difference. The secondary stability seemed very good to me (probably weigh about 168#, so I think that makes me "light" for this boat).

On turning these touring boats, have you ever tried leaning to the outside of the turn? It is very counter-intuitive and not the way we teach WW paddling, but is very effective at making touring and flatwater boats turn faster. It's a trick a top flatwater/racing type paddler I know taught me...

[JoeBud]

As far as secondary stability, I felt more comforable in the Tsunami. As mentioned, the Inuit seemed to have a clear point of no return. I felt I would have a better chance for recovery in the Tsunami. Yes, I am aware of the leaning trick. Track straight, turn on a dime. Why can't they do both? :)

[Jeremy M]

They can now...

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