Re: [Paddlewise] P&H Capella

Yes,
I used to own the plastic Capella, and I really loved it for a plastic
boat. Only problem was that it had slight tracking and weathercocking
problems, even with the skeg down. This probably due to the difficulty of
translating a good fiberglass design into plastic -- the plastic version
seems to contract upon cooling and always has a little too much rocker.
Both the plastic Capella and the plastic Looksha IV both have weather
cocking problems relative to the glass versions that I have paddled.

back to the question at hand... the glass version has no tracking or
weathercocking problems when using the skeg, and has excellent
construction and attention to detail. I like the off-center rear hatch
which makes it easy to store spare paddle and still access the hold.
Maneuverability and secondary stability are excellent. It has a very
sporty feel as well, which I prefer over the feel of the Romany 18 which
I've paddled only at symposiums, and the Current Designs Gulfstream, which
I've taken on a 3-day trip. Bottom line however, is these are all
excellent boats, and you should try them all before deciding which one
feels best. You might have some trouble tracking down a glass Capella if
you are not on the east coast, but George Gronseth has one in Seattle.

Cheers,
Kevin

PS, I might mention that my current favorite boat is the Pygmy Arctic
Tern, their newest design. It handles just as well as the above, but does
not need a skeg. I am almost finished building mine, and I'll give a good
review of it in a month or two.

 On Tue, 29 Sep 1998, STrum04 wrote:

> Kevin,
> 
> Regarding the P&H Capella:
> 
> If I remember correctly, you have had a plastic P&H Capella, and
> apparantly have had some experience with the fiberglass version as well.
> Can you comment about similarities/differences in fit, performance, etc?
> 
> I recently had an opportunity to try my first British kayak - Romany
> Explorer.  I was quite impressed with its secondary stability, and
> maneuverability for a 17'6" boat.  If you've had any experience with
> this boat or the 16' version, I'd appreciate your comments relative to
> the Capella.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Norman
> SF Bay area
> Thanks,
> 
> Norman
> SF Bay area
> 
> 
> 
> K. Whilden wrote:
> 
> > As far as I can tell, the P&H Capella, also designed by Derek Hutchinson, has a very similar hull. I like the handling of the fiberglass Capella a little better than the gulfstream.
> > 
> > Cheers,
> > Kevin
> 
> 
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