New P&H model ?

[simon64]

I have been told that P&H are bring out a new model, maybe a slightly shorter sea kayak, any info or pics anyone ?

[OMarti]

This one : ?

[simon64]

Don’t think so, its a more regular sea kayak, only started production this week

[PhilBar]

I'm sure Sam at Kent Canoes mentioned they were producing something around the 16ft mark, possibly called 'Vela'...I think!
Time will tell I suppose.

[simon64]

The Vela is an old model no longer in production, maybe its being resurrected ?

[PhilBar]

Or try this, sadly no photo though!

https://www.kentcanoes.co.uk/item-p_h_virgo.html

[simon64]

Thanks for that, the Virgo, found this pic, based on the Scorpio, only shorter, just over 15 ft, seems the foredeck hatch is an optional extra

[PhilBar]

Simon64, you did better than me finding a photo!
I wonder if they will be doing a composite version?

[simon64]

I believe they are, according to my sauces

[rockhopper]

Those ketchups certainly know their stuff...

Rog.

[charleston14]

Might sell well, a short Scorpio that’s a bit more play capable @ £800. Will be interesting to compare against boats like the delphin Aries stratos etc

[Mrstratos61]

First one going to St David's sea and surf kayak festival. ( seen on Facebook)

[simon64]

Heres a pic of the Virgo, looks interesting, demoing one in August

[simon64]

Now on P&H website

[sloegin]

Hi Folks

The official release of the specs to the public was today you can read the blurb on the website but the bit that doesn't seem to be on there yet is


Specs:
Length: 443cm
Width: 58cm
Weight (CX): 23.5kg
Weight (MZ3): 24.5kg
Paddler Weight Range: 45 - 100kg

[charleston14]

Thought I saw a glass version mentioned somewhere too , not sure on the name..anyone know ?

[Finny1]

Just wondering why one would design a sea kayak with a focus on day trips and play without a day hatch. Having seen owners of older Delphins having to deal with large bags on the deck, this seems to be a compromise too far.

Valley managed to fit a day hatch in on the Gemini SP.

[Chris Bolton]

The Virgo does have the option for a hatch in front of the cockpit, with what looks like the same size hatch cover as the Gemini, and given the position of the rear hatch the day compartment on the Gemini can't be very big. The Gemini is also 19cm longer. Personally, I'd value a 'traditional' day hatch more on a long crossing than on a day trip or playing, when I wouldn't expect to need to get at much while on the water.

[sloegin]

Hiho folks

The composite version of the Virgo is called 'Volan' - it's still in development and a little while away yet.

[simon64]

The day hatch behind the cockpit is of limited appeal to me, would rather have a bigger space for trolley etc, the little hatch in front of the cockpit more useful for cameras, snacks etc.

[Finny1]

It's clearly of appeal to some as P&H fitted one to later versions of the Delphin. I certainly would like to hear their reason for not including one on this boat. Where do all you people that don't need a day hatch keep things like Storm Cag, warm hat, pogies/mitts, first aid kit, flares/LED light and flask, to name some things that reside in mine?

The day hatch on a Gemini is a normal sized with 8" cover. It's a bit more useful than the optional sweet tin/sunglass case pictured on this boat.

[charleston14]

Hiho folks

The composite version of the Virgo is called 'Volan' - it's still in development and a little while away yet.

Picture of the volan here
https://www.outdoorsnb.com/products/p-h ... -composite

Details here
https://www.kentcanoes.co.uk/item-p_h_volan.html

[Chris Bolton]

Where do all you people that don't need a day hatch keep things like Storm Cag, warm hat, pogies/mitts, first aid kit, flares/LED light and flask, to name some things that reside in mine?

Some in the mini hatch, my laserflare, camera, VHF, PLB are on my BA, some do indeed go in the day hatch - I don't think I'd normally want my flask while on the water. I'm not saying I don't find a day hatch useful, but in a short boat you need some compromises, and on a day trip or playing I'd have less need to access stuff on the water; probably wearing a helmet so only need a warm hat off the water. But I do also apologise; my post above is a bit more challenging than it should be for responding to a new member of the Forum!

[simon64]

Tested the Virgo today, thanks to Oban sea kayak, thought it was lovely, agile but tracks well, very planted and stable in chop and wind, feels reasonably fast for its length,fun with a following sea, a good day boat that beginners and the more experienced paddler will love

[RichardP]

Has anyone tested the Valkyrie as yet shown in the north sea kayak video above?
Interesting to know thoughts. looks Racy !

[simon64]

Has anyone tested the Valkyrie as yet shown in the north sea kayak video above?
Interesting to know thoughts. looks Racy !

Have a chat with Elan at up and under in Cardiff, 02920578579 he has experience of this kayak and was thinking of buying one

[RichardP]

Thanks for the heads up Simon

[Douglas Wilcox]

With regards to the Valkyrie, I have paddled it almost every day for the last two months. There are action shots and review of some of its features on my FB page. There will be a review of it in the next issue of OP. I like it a great deal and have had more fun in it than almost any other kayak I have paddled. One thing to be aware of, it is not an RM FSK in the mould of a Taran. Rather it is a decked RM surfki but that is why I have had so much fun in it. :)

[mcgruff]

Does the kayak cockpit have any plus points or do you think it would be better with an open surf ski cockpit?

[Douglas Wilcox]

Good question mcgruff,

I really liked the Octane/Nitro RM surfski on which the Valkyrie is based so I expected not to like it so much as I did. Since testing the Octane I have gone on to buy a carbon fibre Think Zen surfski. However, I absolutely loved the Valkyrie and had a very great deal of fun in it. The seat is much lower than the Octane so it feels much more stable for its width. You lose a bit of paddling efficiency with the lower seat but not a lot. Second it has hatches. The Octane had no forward hatch but did have a rear hatch though that was pretty filled with a foam stringer. You can carry weekend camping gear in the Valkyrie but you could easily overload it as the surfski hull was not designed as a load carrier. Lastly, make sure you fit in it before you buy. People with long or short legs and big feet may find their feet restricted.

Douglas