kayak across the water » p&h capella rm 166 http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk Observations on sea kayaking (among some other things) from Argyll, Scotland Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:35:06 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Capella dilemma http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/2008/08/28/capella-dilemma/ http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/2008/08/28/capella-dilemma/#comments Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:08:48 +0000 pamf http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/?p=380 Now that we are upgrading to fibre-glass kayaks (2 weeks from today for me!), we have been deliberating over what to do with our Capella RMs. This is no easy decision. I am well aware of the potential for them to work their way down to assuming a place in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, or at last its Atlantic equivalent (which must surely be in the process of forming). So – is it better to keep them and have them take up space in our garage, to be taken out on the odd occasion when we have kayaking visitors, or when we decide to do a spot of rockhopping? Or is it better to sell them on so that someone else can benefit and get started in the world of sea kayaking, just like we did (oh, and we get a little return from the sale)? Both options will probably eventually lead to the garbage patch regardless, but hopefully not for some time. And maybe by then, nature will have evolved a way to break down polymers.

Farewell old friend

Farewell old friend

I think we’ve decided that one Capella must definitely go, so we’ve been jumping in and out of each other’s kayaks in order to determine which one. Alan can fit (albeit snugly) into my RM 160. I can fit into his RM 166 – but so could another me. In Gordon Brown’s excellent book, Sea Kayak, there is a photo of an example of an ill-fitting kayak. In the RM 166, I am that photo. The cockpit rim encircles my rib cage and there’s enough freeboard to ensure that my spraydeck need never get wet. Not exactly a perfect fit then. It therefore looks like we will divest ourselves of the 166.

And so we will keep my trusty RM 160 for now. It will serve as a “back-up” should either of our Nordkapps ever need repaired (heaven forfend!), or should we have a visitor who would like to go paddling with us.

It will be a sad farewell actually, as it has served Alan well. From our first “tippy” outing on Loch Eck to the high seas of Lewis and Islay, the Capellas have never let us down (although we have no doubt let them down on occasion). I hope the 160 doesn’t pine after its old stablemate … but at least it will have 2 new thoroughbreds to keep it company.

]]> http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/2008/08/28/capella-dilemma/feed/ 0 Kayak Tests and Novice Reviews http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/2008/07/12/kayak-tests-and-novice-reviews/ http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/2008/07/12/kayak-tests-and-novice-reviews/#comments Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:10:22 +0000 pamf http://acrossthewater.wordpress.com/?p=76 The good folks at Karitek organised an open day at Fairlie today. Being in the market for new fibre glass boats, we leapt upon the opportunity to test some out. An open day like this serves as a “first pass” where we can quickly determine/confirm the boats that we’d like to test more extensively at a later date before narrowing it down even further.

It was quite a kid-in-a-candy-store moment when we arrived at the beach to an impressive display of top brand kayaks. We were particularly interested in the Rockpool Alaw Bach and the P&H Quest LV, but we also tested a Sea Kayaking UK (Nigel Dennis) Explorer, a P&H Cetus, Rockpool Alaw and P&H Capella 161. Here are the impressions of a couple of novices. Bear in mind that we have been accustomed to paddling P&H Capella RM (166 and 160) kayaks over the past year, so that is essentially our benchmark. The conditions started out quite rough, becoming calm later. I am 51 kg in weight and 166 cm in height. Alan is 76 kg in weight and 180 cm in height.

Kayak Model Pam’s Thoughts Alan’s Thoughts
P&H Quest LV Initial impression was one of instability. Very lively boat! Felt nervous about edging, especially in rougher conditions. Good fit and comfortable – a little extra hip padding would make it a perfect fit. Responded well. Looked small in comparison to my Capella. Think I could get used to it and that it would improve my skill levels. Managed to capsize upon edging. Felt a bit unstable. Fit well though. Attractive boat. Footrests difficult to adjust once covered in sand! Took a long time to free them up.
Rockpool Alaw Bach Another “lively” boat – but more primary stability than the Quest LV. Felt like I was in my comfort zone, but pushing it a little in the right direction. Didn’t fit quite as well, even with footplate as close as possible to me, but later found out that seat can be moved forward. That and some hip padding would make perfect. Also felt fine out in the swell/chop. Very flat stern with strange contours on front deck. Cockpit slightly tight to get into. Footplate was most comfortable foot rest (and easiest to adjust) experienced so far. Felt knee braces were a bit “grippy”. Edged comfortably. Responsive and handled swell easily.
P&H Cetus Felt like my Capella RM 160! Didn’t feel overly capacious, even although it’s a sizeable boat. Very stable. Totally in my comfort zone – but is that a good thing?! This is spec’d for load of 65 kg and up. Conditions had calmed by the time I tested it. Super comfy. Great fit all round. Handled well, turned well, edged well – no problem with windy conditions. Didn’t feel too big. Reminded me of Capella RM. Handy front deck day hatch.
Rockpool Alaw Didn’t try. “Bulgy” front deck – felt like there was more windage. Despite being spec’d for someone above 5′ 8″, it felt very roomy. Preferred snugger fit of Alaw Bach. Other than that, as per Alaw Bach.
Sea Kayaking UK Explorer Too big! Should have tried the LV. Found it a dog to turn, although edging stability not bad. Didn’t try.
P&H Capella 161 Very snug. The first time I’ve had footrests at maximum position. Rear seat edge felt like it was digging in a bit, but would like to revisit. Didn’t try.

Conclusion

We are realising that making the right choice of kayak is coming down to 2 considerations:

  1. We can stay in our comfort zone and enjoy paddling a kayak that feels familiar and safe, or
  2. We can push ourselves to learn new skills by buying a boat that challenges us.

I’m leaning towards 2. Having come this far, I don’t want to duck out of improving my skills. Forced to make a choice today, I’d probably go for an Alaw Bach, but I’d really like to spend more time in one. I felt “safe” yet, not too safe. The boat was lively enough to keep me on my toes. Alan agrees – it feels like a step up, but not beyond our grasp.

Addendum: During a subsequent test of the Quest LV, it became apparent that the positioning of the skeg compartment was interfering with my right knee. This is something that would certainly deter me from pursuing this kayak as I’m pretty sure a long day’s paddle would result in discomfort.

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