I had this '04 P&H Bahiya for sale, so I took it out to give it an objective test. It may not be too objective, though, because it turns out I really love this boat.
I bought a used Bahiya a few weeks ago and it is not a normal sea kayak. It is quite edgy when paddled flat. It is actually less stable than my Stellar SR which is narrower and faster. I am big for it so it is not super fast. If you keep your hips loose and don't insist on holding the hull flat it is plenty stable but it like to be hullset to the right or left. So far my favorite thing about it is (and he mentions this) how a paddler can edge the boat using the chines to pull the boat left or right. This works particularly well with following seas and enables you to keep paddling forward and steer with your hips. In spite of being a hard chine boat with a low profile rear deck it does need a skeg in beam wind or quartering wind. Very interesting boat. Odd compared to all the Cetus/Explorers/etc but well designed.
Totally agree that is odd, but man how I loved that boat. Wish I kept her. Other sea kayaks are a little bit boring after owning a Bahiya. I can’t tell from ur write up whether you like it or not, but if not, hit me up! I’d like to own one again.
Two years ago I bought my 2005 Bahiya for $1500 with a Lendal paddle and a cockpit skirt. I had done VERY little kayaking before but knew I wanted something to grow into. He is absolutely correct in his assessment of this being an attention keeper in the beginning. Now I would not trade it for anything, well, maybe a Cetus HV. Maybe.
I got a p&h quest LV. ITS 22" wide behind the cockpit. 60lbs 17'7. How longis your bahia kayak? I know he said 18ft long but I'm sure that a general number. How much does it weigh? At idea if its LV, MV. HV?
I bought a used Bahiya a few weeks ago and it is not a normal sea kayak. It is quite edgy when paddled flat. It is actually less stable than my Stellar SR which is narrower and faster. I am big for it so it is not super fast. If you keep your hips loose and don't insist on holding the hull flat it is plenty stable but it like to be hullset to the right or left. So far my favorite thing about it is (and he mentions this) how a paddler can edge the boat using the chines to pull the boat left or right. This works particularly well with following seas and enables you to keep paddling forward and steer with your hips. In spite of being a hard chine boat with a low profile rear deck it does need a skeg in beam wind or quartering wind. Very interesting boat. Odd compared to all the Cetus/Explorers/etc but well designed.
Hey BnB, I commented a few times on your Bahiya review. You replied you might be interested. I would sell it if you still want one. It will be available in our annual boat swap at Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison WI. I don't know where you are located but it is available. Thanks.
P&H is the premium manufacturer. They’ll cost a little more used. But hold their value. I’d take a well made kayak over a lightweight kayak. The light weight ones will spider web crack around the cockpit.
