Custom Kayaks Focus vs Fenn Swordfish

I am looking to buy an intermediate surfski this year, I have heard good things about the Custom Kayaks Focus and the Fenn Swordfish. I live in Durban, so from an after sales service point of view, it makes sense to look at the Focus. Though, I would like to hear more about the Swordfish before I make up my mind.

Is there anybody out there who has done a comparison of the two boats, I would love to see a shootout.

I think Rob will be on the case once he gets the chance (so many boats - so little time!), but yeah, this is the showdown I`m also most interested in hearing about.

Paddle both No one can tell you which suits you best. Get hold of the reps, organise a test paddle and decide which you prefer. They are both good boats well made, with the focus able to accomodate the larger paddler.

Ryan wrote: with the focus able to accomodate the larger paddler.

I'll say - the Focus has the widest range of footplate adjustment I've ever seen!

Not sure that we'll get hold of one to play with down here. I paddled it once on a gentle reverse Millers without any of my regular marks to compare against.

All the above stated, here's an opinion from a shorter, lighter paddler... Paddled one the other day, and a friend has the first one in CT, so I'll try post a bit more when I try it again.

It has HUGE footplate adjustment - my legs are too short to paddle the SF properly (have to use tiptoes! LOL). I can fit the Focus fine, and stable in pretty tippy conditions. Considering how tall Mark is that made the boat!!!

In terms of weight, at 75kg I weigh enough to make good use of the boat, and its stable enough.

My opinion, is that this is as much of a game-changer as the SF seems to have been toted as. If I were to upgrade now from Genius CLK, I'd take the Focus gladly.

I can't compare these two boats, havn't paddled the Focus or even seen one, however I can commnet on the SF.

I paddled a Glass Mako 6 previous and loved it except for occassional broaching on the odd wild run.

I bought the SF sight unseen and found it immediately easy to paddle. However despite setting it up exactly as my 6, I stuggled to get comfortable (numb feet/leg) for a couple of weeks, even considered flicking it.

But after some perserverance I got it right and now 6 months later I rave about this boat.

It's light to carry but not flighty on the water; it is amazingly maneoverable on runs and on the flat, so responsive, like a quality sports car. I now find it very comfortable, easier to pull on a run than the 6. Just a hoot in big seas and wind. I don't find it tippy at all. I'm sure I'm faster in this boat than the 6.

My point is that you can't really tell what a boat will be like or suited to you, until solid time in the saddle. A solid weekend with a demo or borrowed boat is the only fair way to compare craft.

Enyoy your choice what ever it is?