So, not many sea kayaks come up for sale round here, but right now there’s a P&H Capella 160 in the kevlar composite layup. Built in 2007 and looks to be in great condition. I currently only have 1 kayak (I know, WTF ), which is my slightly beaten up CD Prana.
They’re asking $750.
I’m wondering if this would be an interesting second boat, or would it be too similar to my Prana (and actually a bit more conservative)? I know they’re supposed to be well made.
My Prana is actually slightly too big for me - I know I’d fit the 160 fine.
We’d need to know how tall you are, how heavy, what size shoe you wear, what kind of paddling you usually do (rough water, flat water, 1/2 day trips, full day, multi-day, weight and size of the gear you wish to use and carry, and also to know if you intend on making a lot of milage in gentle maneuvers or quick and tight turns are more in line with your needs.
Also you start with the statement “So, not many sea kayaks come up for sale round here” but give no indication as where “here” is.
Kayaks come in various sizes and shapes to do some things better then other things and usually one is a trade-off for the other. So asking about our ideas of the KAYAK and telling us nothing about you or your expected uses is like asking if a Toyota SR10 is a good vehicle for you, but telling us nothing about the kind of things you need a vehicle to do.
Thanks both. I know it would fit my size and I know it would be good for my favored paddling locations etc…my pause is that I already have a boat that does that! It’s like, I’ve got a perfectly serviceable 10 inch frying pan, do I buy a 9 inch one too?
(“Here” is the mountains of western NC - whitewater country!)
So, yes, really it’s more “is this just too good a deal to pass up”?
On the other hand, the brakes just went out on my truck (while trying to stop at a red light ), so this will have to wait until at least into next week!
Thanks!
Yeah being able to stop a truck is even more important than being able to make one go.
And I’d agree with Castoff. That’s a really good price if the kayak is in good condition. Might ask if he’s hold it for you for a deposit until the Truck is fixed.
You may not need it and I do understand that myself. I buy and sell kayaks fairly often and a kevlar composite layup P&H for that little is a steal.
hmmm yes, thanks szihn. I have a feeling it’ll sit for a while (already has) so I’ll let fate decide after I get my truck looked at on Monday!
I mean, I can’t call myself a proper kayaker with only one! Right?
I’ve become spoiled by lighter weight kayaks. Once you move a 45lb boat around, a 55lb boat feels soooo heavy. So I’d consider the Capella if it’s significantly lighter than your Prana.
I know you have all been waiting with baited breath…I got it. Picked her up this morning. After some quick fitting tweaks headed straight out to the lake. Seller was super nice and still an active sea kayaker, even based here in the mountains. Actually a Capella 161 (not 160). 45lb is nice!
Initial impressions are . I’m bang in the middle of the weight range, unlike on my Prana where I’m 15lb under the low end. Edging is way easier. Primary stability seems about the same, but it has a bit more secondary. Rolls were about the same (I did a quick 10), but low braces seemed more comfortable (to the extent you can really try them on a calm lake!). I think it will feel more comfortable in choppier water, just by being better sized for me, if nothing else. It will be my boat to take up to Maine next week,
Having 1" less cockpit length is a knee challenge for getting in, but I’ll get used to it. I think I have some bruises
The seller had taken out the footpegs and was using foam on the bulkhead, so I’m going that way too.
Only slight negative is that it definitely seems slower than the Prana - which makes sense, being almost a foot shorter and an inch wider.
I’ve got a few “where do I put X” things to work out, and some tweaks on the fit still to do. Will head to the lake for playing at least a couple more times this week.
Beautifully made boat (and has my flag on it ). Condition is really nice - much better than my beat up Prana. I think it was a great deal for $750.
I plan to keep the Prana for longer trips, carrying 3 or more days of gear.
Thanks for all your encouragement !
Will plan to take a photo or two next time out to share!
), which is my slightly beaten up CD Prana.
), so this will have to wait until at least into next week!
. I’m bang in the middle of the weight range, unlike on my Prana where I’m 15lb under the low end. Edging is way easier. Primary stability seems about the same, but it has a bit more secondary. Rolls were about the same (I did a quick 10), but low braces seemed more comfortable (to the extent you can really try them on a calm lake!). I think it will feel more comfortable in choppier water, just by being better sized for me, if nothing else. It will be my boat to take up to Maine next week,
). Condition is really nice - much better than my beat up Prana. I think it was a great deal for $750.