Unbiased Reviews by Real People
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Unbiased Reviews by Real People
Review of Perception Carolina KayakJun 22, 2000 Write an essay on this topic.Review of Perception Kayaks (June 22, 2000) About two years ago, a buddy of mine and I were fishing in the bay at Wildwood Crest in New Jersey, when a group of kayaks passed in front of our boat. They glided by so softly and smoothly I could not even hear them. I watched them for a while until they disappeared behind some marsh grass. The thought went through my mind: "I have to get one". So I did. Here is my review: I stopped by several sporting goods stores and camping stores to look at their kayaks and visited many web sites to get some ideas. I initially wanted to get a small, tiny one that I could stick in the back of my pickup truck on a whim. I later learned that small kayaks were okay for small people, but with my 200 pound frame, it would be better to get a big one. There were all sorts of styles, and several types of materials used in their construction. Prices ranged from $400 to $1500 for the kayaks. I would also need paddles, an additional $100 for some feather weight wooden paddles, and another $25 for a life preserver. While doing some investigative shopping, one store in New Jersey called "The Jersey Paddler" informed me they would be hosting a kayaking convention in Somerset, NJ in mid March. So, I went. It was a good decision. There were many different vendors there with a lot of different equipment to choose from. I spent a good four hours gathering information, sitting in the various kayaks, trying on life preservers, learning about paddles, and reading material, viewing videos, and talking with people about their experiences. I already knew I didn't want something very expensive, or something that would require a great deal of maintenance. I wanted something durable and easy to move about, so it would have to be light. It also had to carry my 200 pounds well. One vendor claimed they had just the right kayak for me: A Perception Carolina. When I sat in the boat, I immediately fell in love with it. It was constructed of molded plastic, so it was durable and light. It came in various colors, and it was just the right size for me. It cost a little more than I was willing to spend (about $900), however, any purchases made at the show received a 10% discount. I also bought the feather light wooden paddle and life preserver and I was set. I elected not to get the rudder attachment - and this was a happy choice. The rudder is used to help keep the kayak straight when traveling over large bodies of water. I have not had a need for this, although I have kayaked over many large bodies of water. The kayak also came with a molded, adjustable seat, seat cushions, two cargo storage areas with rubber covers, and deck webbing. The only major problem I have had with the kayaks is the bulkheads leaked. However, being very handy, I caulked both sides of the Styrofoam walls, and they no longer leak. The employees helping at the show helped me load the boat on the back of my truck. The kayak is a little over 14 feet long, so I had to tie it to the roof of the truck. I couldn't wait to "put in"! Driving home, I eyed every little puddle, stream, or other body of water. I decided to give it a try in a nearby lake called Farrington Lake, in East Brunswick, NJ. The kayak was easy to move about, light, and it did not take much time to get used to. In fact, I was an expert in minutes! That day, I kayaked until the sun set, easily, smoothly moving about large bodies of water. I was able to float over water less than 4 inches deep! I got my wife interested, and bought one for her, too. I also built my own kayak rack for the back of my pickup truck. It was easy! I used four 4 foot 2"X4", 4 U bolts, and some 1" galvanized pipe and 90 degree elbows. I secured the rack to my truck by placing the pipe legs into the holes in the bed walls, and tying them down with bungee cords to brackets screwed into the bed walls. Now, I simply throw the kayaks up on top of the racks, and secure them with bungee cords! We have since taken the kayaks all over the country. My favorite place to kayak in was up in Lake Huron in Michigan - nice cool, fresh, blue water, with beautiful, peaceful countryside. I would recommend the Perception kayak as a very good, reasonably priced, and very durable kayak. It handles very well, and it is easy to use. I would recommend this sport to anyone who enjoys peace and quiet and loves to explore, and loves water. I would not recommend kayaking to nonswimmers, very small children, or anyone extremely heavy or that can not exercise for long periods of time (it does take a bit of muscle to paddle). The thing I enjoy most about kayaking is getting away from all the noise and people and added exercise benefit. It truly is a pleasure! If you have any questions, please send an email message to me at: docked@yahoo.com. Have a wonderful day! Mike  |
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