Capella - A star in the sea kayak world (P&H Capella RM 166 Sea Kayak)

Member Name: NemoDog

Product:	P&H Capella RM 166 Sea Kayak
Date:	18/09/09 (144 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well built, choice of colours, performs well

Disadvantages: Cost

The Capella is a classic sea kayak manufactured by P&H who are based in the UK. Ideal for those starting out in the sport this sea kayak has a lot to offer and is a superb all rounder.

What's it made of?
The Capella RM is made of CoreLite. According to the P&H website Corelite' is a triple-layered material that combines a central foam core with tough outer and inner skins of abrasion resistant polyethylene.

The great points about a sea kayak made from Corelite are that they are extremely durable and versatile. Inevitably no matter how careful you are you will at some point rub up against rocks while exploring a cave or investigating the coastline up close, or hitting those submerged rocks, or running up a beach. Try any of this in a fibreglass boat and it could be costly!!

Corelite can be up to 3kgs lighter than other manufacturers equivalent models, easier to handle and easier to paddle.

The Features
Retractable Skeg
Hidden underneath the boat rather than on top the retractable skeg is a vital part of this boat.

Adjustable Footrest
Footrests can be easily adjusted even afloat.

Adjustable Seat & backrest
It's no good being uncomfortable so the easily adjustable backrest and seat allows you to get comfortable.

3 Hatches
The boat has a day hatch, which is just behind the cockpit, a rear hatch, which has the biggest opening, and a front hatch.

Optional Extras
For extra cost you can have a rudder fitted and also a Silva 70P Compass.

Colours
The colours for 2009 are Emerald (green & white),
Electric blue (blue & white)
Lava (orange & red)
Sunbeam (yellow & orange)

The Capella 166 is 16ft 7" long (505cm) and 22" wide (56cm) at the widest part. It weighs around 24.5 kg and its optimum load range is aprox 65-120kg.

Cost around £1100

My Experience
The Capella 166 is my sea kayak of choice. It's a reliable and comfortable boat to paddle and I don't have to worry about bumping into things, which I tend to do when I squeeze through gaps in the rocks!! This boat is at home on a loch (or a lake), large rivers, open sea crossings, expeditions or day trips.

My favourite colour is the sunbeam and it certainly stands out.

I've found it to be a reliable boat but as with anything that has moving parts the skeg does sometimes stick. Nothing that a squirt of WD40 can't fix. I find the day hatch difficult to open while afloat but that is probably down to my lack of flexibility.

This boat paddles best when it is full. I didn't believe this until I was on a 14 day self sufficient expedition in Greenland. My boat had my tent, sleeping bag, stove & fuel, food, clothes, camera etc all packed inside the hatches. It sat very low in the water but was exceptionally stable which I like.

Sometimes the hatch covers can be difficult to get on and off and occasionally they do leak a bit but this seems to be a bit hit and miss.

A great boat for those starting out which will last you for years.

Summary: A great sea kayak for all conditions