Differences between Craz and Kaiyen?

[996scott]

I'm looking at possibly upgrading to a Craz or Kaiyen. There is only a 6 inch difference in length, width and draft are the same. The layout inside is pretty much the same other than the bow seems smaller in the Kaiyen. I know the fit and finish is a little nicer in the Kaiyen. My biggest question is, are the hulls very different? Is there going to be much of a difference in the wave for surfing and skiing? (yep, i still love to ski). Are there any other major differences? Any options you can't get in the Craz that you can in the Kaiyen? Any input would be helpful, thanks.

[jason1973]

my guess is the kaiyen will replace the craz in 2021. Just like the ugly helix did to the mondo.

[rhouse181]

I originally placed an order and built a Craz prior to SC shutting down the factory. Loved the traditional hull shape, the spacious bow, and I thought the surf wave right out of the box was quite respectable. As I grew more impatient waiting for a newbuild, my dealer was great and got me into a Kaiyen that they had in inventory. To be honest, my family couldn't be more happy with the flip.

A few of the major differences we've noticed vs. the Craz:
- Interior of the Kaiyen is noticeably more upscale and the transom walk-through with the pop up tow pylon is clutch if you have kids
- Believe it or not, the Kaiyen bow feels a little bigger from an overall sq footage standpoint. In the Craz, you can sit 2 adults facing towards the bow with legs fully stretched out while you can't on the Kaiyen. But if you rotate the passengers 90 deg you can magically fit 2 adults with legs fully stretched out. We've had all 4 of our family members lounging up front it's been quite comfy.
- The wave out of the box is respectable and perfectly surfable. Stock ballast +2 adults is ~30% on the autowake amplitude scale. The Kaiyen wave doesn't seem as steep as a stock Craz with stock ballast. However when you start adding weight in the boat, it gets progressively better. I haven't slammed her yet, but with every 100 lbs the wave continues to stack. I think there is way more overall potential in the Kaiyen compared to the Craz.
- Craz w/ no ballast handles the chop a little better and the bow doesn't burp spray as much. But fill the middle tank on the Kaiyen to 30% and she's a champ in rollers. I've been in no joke whitecap / 3-5 ft ocean style rollers and made it back to the ramp without much fanfare.

I have my 20 hr service next week and I'm going to throw 500 lbs of lead in the boat to start ramping up the surf amplitude. Overall, I couldn't be happier with my Kaiyen. She looks great and does everything well. I'm sure the Craz would have done the same, but this hull is clearly the future of Moomba.

[996scott]

Thanks for the review, that is awesome info. I definitely like the interior finish of the Kaiyen a lot more and i'm sure the bow wouldn't be a big problem. You haven't skied behind it have you? I'm curious how flat you can get the wake.

[rhouse181]

Haven’t strapped on skis, but with no ballast / higher speeds the wake is mellow. All the modern boats with massive wakeplates seem quite adjustable.