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Vajda · Surfski · Out of production

Vajda Hawx 43

Long, lean elite ocean hull with soft chines running from roughly 1.2m aft of the bow to 1.2m from the stern and a relatively flat mid-section for glide. Very narrow catch (reviewers called it among the narrowest of any ocean ski), moderate rocker, low volume forward for punching through chop.

Length
5.9 m
Beam
43.5 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
10.7 kg
Vajda Hawx 43 — downwind action
downwind action · surfskiracing.org

Specifications

Length
5.9 m
Beam
43.5 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Skill level
advanced
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

Elite Pro10.7 kg
Elite12.7 kg
Racing15 kg

On-water profile

Stability
5.0
Speed
8.5

Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.

43.5cm beam and narrow waterline put it in elite territory but reviewers found it noticeably more stable than a V12/Fenn Elite at similar speed; sits just above a pure elite ski on stability.

Suits: Open ocean racing, downwind and upwind; rewards a paddler with a reliable stroke. Overkill for flatwater beginners.

Paddler weight

This hull is built around a paddler of about 81 kg. It stays workable from 71 kg to 86 kg, and sits at its best between 75 kg and 83 kg.

Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.

Generations

2012-2021

Vajda's elite/advanced Hawx, successor to the Orca. Layups: Elite Pro (full carbon), Elite, and Racing (heavier glass/carbon club build). Discontinued and replaced by the Makai 43 around 2022.

What works, and what it costs you

What works

  • Excellent stability-to-speed ratio for an elite ski
  • Very comfortable Vajda bucket with 19-position no-screw footplate
  • Strong build/paint quality, fast self-bailing
  • Slightly short length makes it lively in messy downwind

Trade-offs

  • Elite waterline still demands solid balance
  • Narrow footwell makes manual bailer awkward in the ocean
  • Leash mount near bailer can snag
  • Discontinued - parts/dealer support now limited

What paddlers say

'Excellent stability with HPS speed and solid construction' - SurfSkiRacing.com Hawx Elite reviewReported experience
Forum paddlers rate it a great intermediate/advanced flatwater boat, more stable than a V12 - surfski.infoReported experience

Where to buy

The Hawx 43 is out of production. It turns up on the second-hand market; there is no new-boat channel for it.

Vajda Group ↗

Dealers in the markets we have mapped:

Discontinued; new RRP was ~AUD 4,000-4,800 for Elite/Elite Pro circa 2015-2019.

Sources