If you keep up with the national and international surfski race scene you’ll note most of the field astride Fenn Mako 6’s, Mako Elites or some version of the Epic V10. Why, you might ask? Well, two immediate answers are these boats are fast and they are readily available in markets across the globe. The Elite paddlers lead the way and the mid packers like me are always curious what kind of boats, paddles, and training these guys are doing, and how they can possibly go so quickly. Obviously, these are elite athletes, and could likely paddle a barn door at faster than mortal speeds. However, being elite athletes, they also are constantly searching for that extra edge, selecting boats and equipment to give them maximum ‘bang per buck.’ Below are my impressions of the Mako 6, the most recent incarnation of the venerable Mako Millenium, save the Fenn Elite.
Dave Grainger in his Carbon Mako 6 at the Milford 2010 Race
I paddled the glass and carbon version off and on for 18 months. My first impression was that I was going to have to commit to this particular model of ski to stay aboard and take advantage of its attributes. Once I figured out the seating and the top angle of the pedals, I slowly became used to this incredibly fast ski.
The bucket is deep on the Mako 6, so remounting requires some practice to become proficient. At 5ft. 9in and 175 lbs., I did not fill out the cockpit like I do some of the other skis. It was a comfortable cockpit, though my 29.5 inch inseam required that my calves touch the hump a little more than I would have liked. Nevertheless, I became acclimated to the fit.
Although one of the fastest skis available, it has the least amount of initial stability, so this requires some adjustment. It has very good secondary stability but it took me many months to come to trust this. I remember one blustery and choppy January day in 2008 with water temps in the high 30’s, paddling the 6 from Bull Point to Mackerel Cove, a duration of only about 10 minutes, thinking: “This is not a very good idea.” I refer to this section of the local Double Beaver Race course as ‘Anxiety Point.’ I made it through only to have to face the same conditions on the return trip back. Despite being somewhat ‘intent’, the fact that I did not capsize is my point. So if you can dedicate the time in the bucket, you can appreciate the 6, like so many of the top paddlers in the world do.
The 6 turns on a dime and has very responsive steering, though I sometimes tended to oversteer the boat until I correctly dialed in the angle of the toe pedals. Unique somewhat to the 6 is this feeling of slight instability poised on the crest of a wave. This sensation lasts only for an instant, but always caused me to hesitate and pause before dropping in. In another review on Surfski.info, the reviewer mentioned the same feeling.
Once however, you commit and launch down the face, the 6 probably has the best acceleration onto a wave of any of the boats I have paddled. With a few quick strokes, it jumps on any size bump and absolutely flies. Exciting!
In summary, the 6 is a rocket ship with excellent glide, but will require some bucket time of its pilot to appreciate its speed. Several of my paddling buddies who have owned 6’s and the Mako Elite claim the Mako Elite is slightly more stable, has a more narrow bucket, and feels more predictable than the Mako 6. Whichever flavor you choose, this is one boat that delivers on its promise of performance.
The bucket is deep on the Mako 6, so remounting requires some practice to become proficient. At 5ft. 9in and 175 lbs., I did not fill out the cockpit like I do some of the other skis. It was a comfortable cockpit, though my 29.5 inch inseam required that my calves touch the hump a little more than I would have liked. Nevertheless, I became acclimated to the fit.
Although one of the fastest skis available, it has the least amount of initial stability, so this requires some adjustment. It has very good secondary stability but it took me many months to come to trust this. I remember one blustery and choppy January day in 2008 with water temps in the high 30’s, paddling the 6 from Bull Point to Mackerel Cove, a duration of only about 10 minutes, thinking: “This is not a very good idea.” I refer to this section of the local Double Beaver Race course as ‘Anxiety Point.’ I made it through only to have to face the same conditions on the return trip back. Despite being somewhat ‘intent’, the fact that I did not capsize is my point. So if you can dedicate the time in the bucket, you can appreciate the 6, like so many of the top paddlers in the world do.
The 6 turns on a dime and has very responsive steering, though I sometimes tended to oversteer the boat until I correctly dialed in the angle of the toe pedals. Unique somewhat to the 6 is this feeling of slight instability poised on the crest of a wave. This sensation lasts only for an instant, but always caused me to hesitate and pause before dropping in. In another review on Surfski.info, the reviewer mentioned the same feeling.
Once however, you commit and launch down the face, the 6 probably has the best acceleration onto a wave of any of the boats I have paddled. With a few quick strokes, it jumps on any size bump and absolutely flies. Exciting!
In summary, the 6 is a rocket ship with excellent glide, but will require some bucket time of its pilot to appreciate its speed. Several of my paddling buddies who have owned 6’s and the Mako Elite claim the Mako Elite is slightly more stable, has a more narrow bucket, and feels more predictable than the Mako 6. Whichever flavor you choose, this is one boat that delivers on its promise of performance. ~Wesley
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