With all the glamor and “bling” of a Las Vegas Show Girl… My new CETUS has arrived!
I don’t know what to say, other than… You had better have your sunglasses on when you look at this boat!
It was fitting when Jim at P&H said “Viva Las Vegas” when he was talking about this boat. I have a Quest LV that has the most bling factor of any kayak out there and it was named “Elvis” at last years Outdoor Retailer Show. Well, I think this kayak is even flashier… if that can be done.
This morning was my first paddle in the Cetus and I can tell you that it is night and day compared to my Quest LV. I never do written reviews until I have paddled a boat for a least a week, so you will have to wait for the full write-up at a later date.
I will give you my first impressions however: Quality, finish and construction is typical P&H and is among the best built boats in the world. New swim toggles look cool and function the same. Four hatches and each is a different size but all function and seal perfectly. New foot pegs adjust without reaching down to your feet and are perfect for this lazy generation. Great fitting cockpit with a longer combing and deeper knee pockets. The knee tube for the 4th hatch was not in the way and it’s bigger than it looks. I was able to throw (three) full 20 oz. water bottles inside with room left over. This Cetus has the New P&H seat and on the outside it looks the same but I can tell you it is even better. The racheting plastic strap is gone and a new webbing belt with anodised buckle is in (much softer on the back). The seat also has two plastic covered rope loops in the back for clipping things to. I love to keep my tow system stored back there.
After the first few strokes I would say the Cetus (mine is 18 feet exactly) turns and edges better than any 18 foot kayak I have ever paddled. It has a fair amount of rocker but all of the hull was in the water properly. I weigh 180-lbs. and it feels well balanced fore/aft and the initial and secondary stability are huge! When I pushed her up on edge, most of the tail and a good portion of the bow come out of the water… which makes it so easy to turn. I stuffed her into some good waves and the bow has enough volume to stay on top of things and it doesn’t hook, grab or porpose. The hull is much flatter than my Quest LV so the ride is totally different and I need to paddle this boat for a week before I write any more.
I will end with this statement however… I think the Cetus will piss off a few other manufacturers and become one of the most desired kayaks in the next few years. “Hey Graham, you guys had better hire some more employees, because you are going to be making a butt-load of these kayaks real soon!
Thanks,
Captain Penguin
