malahini vs zip

Coyote · **Joined:** Sun Jul 15, 2012 5:16 pm **Posts:** 6

beside the obvious 24" I am looking at both boats and as far as line design how much difference is there?
thx

a.

rbrandenstein · **Posted:** Tue Jul 17, 2012 8:06 am

The Zip and Malahini are very similar, both in design and construction. There are a lot of Zip and Malahini builders in this forum, so no matter which one you pick you will have lots of company.

I wanted the look of the old classic runabouts and looked at both designs and picked the Malahini because it was larger and still fit in my garage. The lake I boat on can get rough so I felt larger was better.

Coyote · **Joined:** Sun Jul 15, 2012 5:16 pm **Posts:** 6

Bob,
Thx for the comment.
It is difficult to see the difference just by looking at the line drawing and with the pictures since everyone builds them a bit different it is also hard to see the difference. I have to say I really love the lines of the zip. I have the same issue here, I wuold like a boat that I can trailer from lake to lake but should also be capable of running Vancouver BC to the islands around. Best case the boat should be capable of going from say Vancouver to Victoria but that might be asking too much.
hopefully the topic will receive more comments.

Thx

a.

fergal butler · **Posted:** Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:28 am

I went for the malahini because I have long legs :lol:

I can carry 5 comfortably 2 in the front and 2 and a bit in the back

I don't know what the water is like from vancouver to victoria but if it's very lumpy maybe you should go for one of the deep-v's

jeffh · **Posted:** Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:06 am

Both have the classic wooden boat looks. I have carried 5 adults in mine and it was not crowded. I think the lines of the Zip are just a little bit sexier, but it is smaller. I think the option for the most room is to build a Malahini with a utility layout. The interior layout is totally up to the builder. There is a lot of space in the bow under the deck for storage or a fuel tank. You are guaranteed to get attention everything you go out in either. My daughters roll their eyes every time I'm approached by someone asking about the boat. Both models will jar your internal organs loose on moderately choppy water. There is a guy named Jerry Lindamood in Texas who has built both. He does not visit the forum, but he was very helpful to me when I was working on my transom. I was in touch with him last summer and he replied to all my emails. I still have his address if you don't see it in the photo or builder blog section.

vupilot · **Posted:** Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:19 am

How will you typically load the boat? If you need to carry 4 adults or want to pull someone build the Malahini. If two adults are all you will typically carry along with a kid or two go with the Zip. The size difference is quite noticable. My Zip can carry 4 adults just fine when it needs to but its much more enjoyable with less weight in the boat.

Moeregaard · **Posted:** Tue Jul 17, 2012 3:32 pm

I'm with Chris on this one. The Zip does best with one, two or three carbon-based life forms in the front seat, but put two adults up front and two in back and the boat's character really changes. It's just that much harder to get up on plane and keep it there. It's fine for 20-MPH cruises around the lake, but you won't be winning any races.

If I needed to carry four people on a regular basis, I'd build the Malahini. In addition to being a larger boat, it's also got a little more freeboard, which will add a degree of warmth and fuzziness when you've got a full load and the water gets choppy.

-Mark Shipley

Iggy · **Posted:** Tue Jul 17, 2012 5:01 pm

Zip has a tighter behind... As in, smaller and rounder. Outside of that they are near twins, just a variation in scale. Now, if you're looking for travel between Vancouver and Victoria, I'd look at a deep-v hull to help stabilize the hull on big waves. My Malahini and the Zip I've seen are not well suited for big water. The 16' Geronimo might be a better hull for those conditions (deep-v). Bit taller than the Malahini.

Coyote · **Joined:** Sun Jul 15, 2012 5:16 pm **Posts:** 6

hello everyone,

Jeff, you you 'nailed' it, the zipp seems sexier for some reason.

I keep looking at both designs and now I think what happens is the deck on the zip seems longer, proportionally, and maybe the radius angle of the deck is more pronounced, I wonder if someone can confirm that?

2ft probably makes a difference in top speed but for dryness I think the hull design would make a bigger difference, since they are both quite flat hull at least aft they might be as wet in a chop. On the Malahini the 2ft seems mainly between the rear seat and the engine well, is that correct?

The boat will be used mainly by two ppl, to go see friends who lives on the surrounding islands here in Vancouver if possible, then with 4 ppl on occasions but that only for short runs maybe to a picnic location, or to anchor in a bay go swimming and have light lunches on it, etc.
Also using a trailer to lakes in B.C. this I would hope to do while carrying our camping gears launching the boat and driving to remote camping locations.

I owned sail boats and power boats from 16 to 42ft. in the past, I guess I am looking for something fun, easy & quick to launch.

I totally appreciate all your comments and inputs please keep them coming!
I wonder if there are some Glen-L Built in the Vancouver area, alternatively I have to spend a few days in Seattle in August if someone is in that area.

Cheers,

a.

jeffh · **Posted:** Tue Jul 17, 2012 6:07 pm

Don't forget about Malahini's additional freeboard and beam. One other thing to also consider is the Malahini will just fit into my garage on it's trailer with the tongue folded. My garage is 20ft deep and I keep her there in the offseason. I have a nice 12" long slice in my garage drywall where the cavitation plate punctured it. With the folding tongue, I can back her straight in and still have room for at least one car.

Glen-L.com

malahini vs zip

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