The seating of the kayak is quite comfortable once you learn how to adjust it. Perfect for learning and very maneuverable. The boat will cut through the waves. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! They can keep you informed on lead times for boats and have insight on what is coming down the pipeline. The secondary stability on the boat is fabulous, as mentioned in my previous review, it edges very well, and the handling is very predictable. I purposely went into wakes of big boats to get a feel of it and I'm happy. I have the "Sonoma" 13.5 ft that is made of the same material for maybe 5 yrs now and it has held up well. We're a company of passionate kayakers that proudly design, mold and hand-assemble every Perception kayak in Greenville, South Carolina. Pedal drive kayaks are a great way to fish or explore on the water, but not all are created equally. The skeg is adjustable from fully deployed all the way to fully stowed, any amount in between. Read Essence 16.5 reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. Scenic lakes and coastal swells can be equally exhilarating... no matter where your aspirations lie, if you want to experience them to the full, the Expression range will take you there. By the way, this is for the poly version of this boat, not the composite model. Only wish they would make the foot braces a little bigger. But hey, I'm out to have fun and not to break any world speed records. I have the airlight model. I will lower my score slightly because of gained knowledge but I haven't tried a plastic kayak yet that would make me swap mine out. I have only tipped on purpose and once when taking lessons as I was trying to stabilize my over-extended body with the paddle’s angle and did not quite get the blade of the paddle on the proper angle, my fault not the kayaks. and this boat fits me very well. Water conditions were not conducive to lots of use last year but hope to get more use this year. Video on how to replace a skeg cable. Perception Bow Hatch Cover Replacement bow hatch cover for Perception Expression 14 and 15. Well, OK, I was really hoping to not go over, as the water temperature here in NH is still pretty cold this time of year. The boats track well, are stable in most conditions, and fast on the water. Deployed, the kayak stays on course but is difficult to turn. Get flexibility for a bargain with this sea kayak from Perception. The adjustable foot plate is another slightly different feature. People of all ages are looking to get outdoors, and we have seen a tremendous surge in demand for our products over the last several weeks as a result. Innovative kayak designs tuned for performance, premium outfitting, and stunning quality. It is stable enough for a beginner to learn with, and capable enough for a more advanced owner to enjoy. I took this thing out on the lake and loved it. You need to get in and find the right seat adjustment and once done usually there is ample room in the back of the seat for safety gear, water bottle etc. Perception's Expression is a well featured touring kayak with Zone DLX seat system - adjustable knee braces and footrests - bow and stern bulkheads with hatches - True trak skeg - bungee deck rigging with reflective deck safety line - it's v-shaped hull delivers good speed whilst it's smooth rocker and rounded chines give free flowing movement when needed for quick turns or agility in the surf - a versatile … We like these boats. An important thing to help your yak keep tracking straight through the water. Skegs are stored in a skeg box that is embedded in the stern of the kayak. Been out 3 times now. So for a 16.5' kayak this can hold quite a lot, in fact people are amazed when I show them pictures of my gear once unpacked from the kayak. Seems like this is going to be a very cool boat. Our advice is to discuss your needs with your local Perception Kayaks dealer. I purchased this kayak this previous fall, and have used it as much as I could before it started getting cold. It is really a personal choice, and you shouldn’t need either a … Packed with charisma and boasting exceptional traits for kayaks of their size, they'll fuel your passion for paddling with fast acceleration and an impressive top speed. Should you choose the Deluxe Backrest then you will need either an all nylon deck such as the Palm Coniston or a Combi Deck, such as the Palm Roanoke. Be the first to know about new products and events. Much more comfortable to boot! I'm new to kayaks and after trying this one I bought it from Paddle Shack in Ottawa. It drops down in the rear of the kayak. The Perception Expression is a great choice for those after a comfortable, sleek and stylish day touring kayak. A skeg helps to battle against powerful Recreational is designed to enhance the tracking ability of your sit-inside kayak. Best 5 Kayak Rudder Affiliate Disclaimer: This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site. The Essence 16.5 is a kayak brought to you by Perception. In the stowed position, the boat is maneuverable and turns well, but does not track all that great. Lets start by comfort. The kayak as a deployable skeg which makes a big difference in how the boat tracks. So when I go camping, I go alone. Finally, if you are ordering replacement parts, please review our Shipping Notice. A guide to replacing the skeg cable on your kayak. Most everything I need fits in the cargo holds, and the only things I have to strap to the deck webbing are a folding camp chair, waterproof bag containing camera equipment (DSLR body and lenses), a waterproof bag containing a couple of changes of clothes and extra shoes, extra paddle, and my hand pump for bailing out water. The skeg helps out a lot too. ここでは、パーセプションが販売しているカヤックについて紹介しています。パーセプションはアメリカの大手カヤックメーカーであり、日本でも気軽に購入することができます。パーセプションのカヤックの特徴を知りたい人におすすめの内容です。 We'll see come end of summer because I'm a near daily paddler. Primary stability is acceptable for a novice and secondary is reassuring. Happy Paddling! Read reviews for the Essence 16.5 by Perception as submitted by your fellow paddlers. I may change my mind after a few more outings but I can't see that happening in the near future. What a difference it makes going from a rec boat to a true sea kayak. My only gripe is the retractable skeg has a little slop in it and you can hear it when you paddle, but it works like a charm in the wind. Bought two and used them a lot in the wet year of 2011. Put another way, ruddered kayaks perform best with the rudder in the water. The other minor irritant is that skeg box itself. This Perception sit in kayak’s large dry storage hatch has a superb seal that will keep your belongings away from the water. It is designed to enhance the tracking ability of your sit-inside kayak. This kit contains a universal kayak rudder kit that is compatible with kayaks that have a 10mm rudder pin housing, including Perception touring kayaks, and some Perception sit-on-tops such as the Truimph 13. Upon inspection the Perception 5-0 does buck the sit on kayak trend somewhat. Overall a solid 8.5 and I'd only give my Hobie AI a 9... no perfect boat. The cockpit is big and the seating system is very decent but the foot pegs are a little small, which means that I’m constantly re-adjusting my feet or the foot braces to compensate at times. I'm keeping my score at a 9 due to the somewhat sluggish top end speed, other than that, this baby's a keeper! Rudder included. A skeg is the fin-shaped element located on the bottom of a sea kayak. I find myself going "half open" sometimes which gives a happy medium between straight tracking and turning ability. Product Information. Stability is good and secondary stability is excellent, this kayak wants to spring you back when edging. The perception expression is a fairly good boat. I'm giving it an 8, only because of my relative inexperience with kayaking. The skeg box where retractable skegs are stored takes up a lot of space on the kayak leaving minimal storage room. The Perception Carolina series of sit-inside touring kayaks are for beginner to intermediate paddlers who value comfort and stability in a boat that can easily explore all day on a wide range of waterways. We are also working diligently to answer your questions and have recently added additional resources in this area, but our response time may be longer than typical due to the volume of contacts we are receiving. Allowing expert and novice sea kayakers alike to push their abilities to new levels , the Essence 16.5 offers solid tracking, yet is maneuverable due to its unique design. Keep in mind I'm nearing 50 years old and although I paddled canoes, this thing is a bit different. The Riot comes with a skeg, and the skeg helps the boat track better, and one of its advantaged over the rudder is that it is submerged all the time, whereas the rudder may dip in and out. Even a skeg is just a retractable blade that falls from th… M… In short I was happy when I bought this thing after trying it out and am still happy, My instructor is seriously looking at getting a few for his students after trying it out. Not my first boat but I have to say this is a pretty sweet ride. Available at your authorized Wilderness Systems Dealer - https://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/dealer-search I give it a 9.5/10 for storage volume considering its size. I'm about 6' 200lbs. A rudder is a blade connected with the stern of the kayak which will pivot from laterally. Perception Essence 16.5 Touring Sea Kayak with TruTrak Skeg description Perception Essence 16.5 Touring Sea Kayak with TruTrak Skeg - The Perception Essence 16.5 redefines sea kayak performance. As a medium-sized business, when so many others are struggling, we are grateful that our primary challenge is to do more rather than less, and we thank you for your interest and support. I'm happy with this purchase, and recommend the Essence 16.5 to any intermediate paddler. Yep, I found that out the hard way after setting out on the water before cleaning the mud in the skeg box!! The parts of a skeg, in case of breakage, are harder to repair compared to rudders. I got mine new for $1260, and it is worth every cent. In hindsight, the kayak would probably not weather cock as much if weight were added to the bow as when fully loaded I noticed a significant improvement without having to deploy the skeg in windy conditions. Sign up for Perception Emails Be the first to know about new products and events. Good in that it allows me some much needed 'alone time', but bad in that I must carry everything needed myself, without having another boat to share the cargo carrying. I don't think I could have capsized this thing if I tried. Just picked up an Essence 16.5 used for a great deal on CL. We are also working diligently to answer your questions and have recently added additional resources in this area, but our response time may be longer than typical due to the volume of contacts we are receiving. You will make it by modification of your kayak. Speed is decent, although not a race boat I was able to average about 4 – 5 km cruising speed for a 12 KM excursion in Algonquin Park's Opeongo lake (sorry you will have to convert to miles yourselves) and this against a strong head wind and whitecaps. The Carolina 12.0 kayak’s category-leading comfort … We are producing kayaks as fast as we safely can and shipping kayaks to dealers daily. Finally, if you are ordering replacement parts, please review our. Incredible pedal performance in a punchy 10 ft. package. This may change if you enter more choppy, open-lake water, but if the skeg is deployed, nothing can stand in this kayak’s way. I just don't really know anyone else who is interested enough to invest in a kayak. The kayak as a deployable skeg which makes a big difference in how the boat tracks. The skeg is adjustable from fully deployed all the way to fully stowed, any amount in between. I weigh around 185. *Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices, including taxes. Found the seat comfortable and the side adjustment (strap?) All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! After 30 minutes of hard paddling I was still next to my buddy with his Loki carbon fiber rig. Volume is adequate enough that I can load this kayak for a 5 day trip (this includes a small cooler that collapses, a 3 man tent, sleeping bag, tarps, cooking gear, extra clothes, and a variety of comfort accessories) and I did not use most of the smaller items I brought along so I'm sure I could extend my outings by a few days by packing a little smarter. The Harmony Recreational Skeg Blade replacement is the OEM replacement part used on the Dagger Approach, Axis, and Perception Montour. I had only tried the 17 foot version of this kayak and one from Boreal Designs. Find your kayak. Hatches seem very water repellent. All in all, I am very happy with this kayak, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a boat in this class without breaking the bank. In terms of tracking, the TruTrak skeg keeps your kayak on the straight and narrow with ease and is The Essence is a solid plastic touring boat and a good value for the price paid. A kayak trimmed in this way will weathercock more strongly when the rudder is out of the water than a kayak that is trimmed more neutrally and is intended to be used with a skeg. The skeg fills with mud if you drag it across the ground, and must be cleared before the skeg is usable. Tracking and maneuverability (ability to go straight and turn) is ok if no wind, but I found mine weather cocks in any significant wind, this is resolved by deploying the built-in skeg which I love because the lever is recessed on the left side of the boat and can be adjusted according to your needs. I decided on the Perception Essence 17 but the store only had a 16.5 version, I had originally sat in that one when setting up the try out so I took it. Perception XCT Universal Kayak Rudder Kit A rudder will enhance your ability to paddle straight, especially in strong winds or currents. If you are searching for a particular model, size, or color, you may not find it immediately. I keep it down when going straight and bring it up when I need to maneuver after I tried a few hard turns with both. The storage compartments in the boat carry my tent (2-man), my sleeping bag, a self-inflating bedroll, a couple of bottles of water, four or five cans of soup, a backpacking stove, my camera tripod, folding saw, etc. The Perception Expression 11.5 tracks remarkably well in calm sheltered water. Looks like it splits the waves good, but haven't been in anything over 10 inches yet. If you are searching for a particular model, size, or color, you may not find it immediately. Very comfortable seating system as well. Our South Carolina factory is humming with activity, but we are mindful that we need to produce and deliver boats safely. Not the easiest boat to turn but hey, it isn't exactly a short boat. My only gripe is that the top end speed could be be a little better given it's length, width, and hull design. Perception did a very good job on this. I give it a 9.5/10 for tracking and maneuverability. Feelfree Skeg Sit On Top Spares Sit On Top Trolleys Roof Racks Kayak Rudders Fishing Rod Holders Fish Finders Fishing Accessories Department Sit On Tops Single Seaters Tandems & … Now I had no lessons to begin with and my first time out was the try out which lasted about 5 minutes max on 2 kayaks. The more your kayak wants … This boat was garage kept and the hatch lids seal well for the time being. I don't consider this boat heavy so hoisting atop a SUV is no issue. The perfect kayak to fit your lifestyle awaits. The only complaint I have is the hatch covers, which are very hard to put on unless the weather is blisteringly hot. In the stowed position, the boat is maneuverable and turns well, but does not track all that great. MBN 6" Replacement Skeg for Intex Explorer K2 & Challenger K1 & K2 Kayak - Skeg White Buoyant High-Density PVH – Improved Kayak Keel 3.9 out of 5 stars 38 $29.99 $ 29 . New Black 1. I would recommend this boat if you're looking for a plastic kayak as it's very tough and I feel safe in any conditions my area can throw at me. The cables that hold the skeg can sometimes malfunction, making it hard to … Unlike the Venture / P&H kayaks I've used which have skeg boxes with open back ends at the rear of the boat, the Perception box is incorporated more into the hull, effectively being closed in from all sides. So for now I give it a 9.5. Perfect for small paddlers, the Perception Expression 14.5 kayak with skeg effectively bridges the gap between a fun, maneuverable day-tripping kayak and a predictable touring model. Our advice is to discuss your needs with your local Perception Kayaks dealer. Read and submit reviews for the Essence 16.5. A smooth comfortable ride… Back again for another review of this boat. They're deployed by use of a slider found alongside the cockpit. As luck would have it there was someone there who owned one that was heading out and I got the chance to chat a bit. Used the drop down skeg, just to check it out, and no more side wind problem compared to before on my other boats. Foot pedals manage them at the cockpit that is joined for the rudder using stainless steel cables or an incredibly powerful strand. The ideal spraydeck for the Expression 14/15 is R4/Keyhole size. The award-winning Perception Expression series of versatile sit-inside kayaks combine the forgiving handling and stability expected of a touring design with the speed and storage of an expedition kayak. I kayak solo. It doesn't quite have the rocker or turning ability of the dagger Stratos but it does have a much better price point. I'll give it a solid 10 for comfort. I can load the boat with everything I need for a three day/two night endeavor. If you have the opportunity to try one you won't be disappointed. Tracking is excellent. Beginners will find it is a kayak they can grow into. The drop-down Scag works very well to prevent weather cocking even while out on Lake Superior and quartering Winds. Six steps to build your own kayak skeg. Also, if you live in the NH area, and are in the market for any type of kayak, you owe it to yourself to visit the Contoocook River Canoe and Kayak Co. in Concord. Just picked up this boat last week, and took it out for the first time on Ayer's Lake in Barrington, NH... a little breezy out, and this boat tracked straight as an arrow. Wet exits are a snap and re-entry is very easy as this boat's stern sits very low in the water, which makes it a good rolling boat as well I’m told, although I still don't have the technique to do so I will be working on that soon enough ;). If you need more . 99 Kayaking is a great escape anytime, and especially now. Deployed, the kayak stays on course but is difficult to turn. The secondary stability is where this boat shines. I'm sure with a little more time on the water, I'll be dancing with this thing, and will be changing my score to a 10. Because skegs don't swivel from side to side, their control comes from the depth at which they are set. It’s a very surf inspired shape with a ton of nose rocker, a pulled in front section and very flat bottom displaying only minimal chines cut into the underside. We will continue to work non-stop to get you out on the water as soon as possible. Most sit on tops have very defined grooves carved into the plastic – to help with tracking and stability mainly – whereas the 5-0 doesn’t sport these. They can keep you informed on lead times for boats and have insight on what is coming down the pipeline. I'm 5'10" 190 and this boat is a good fit. A Message to Perception Fans and Prospective Customers, We are producing kayaks as fast as we safely can and shipping kayaks to dealers daily. We nevertheless have a wait time for new orders, and our phone lines have seen an influx of calls. Most skegs are adjustable and can be controlled from the kayak’s cockpit. £40.00 Add to Basket Footrest Parts Liquiglogic Footrest Bolts - … The initial stability on the Essence is pretty good. Perception Essence, Sea Kayak Perception Essence, Sea Kayak Brand: Perception Product Code: KAY-ESS160114 Availability: Out of stock €1,279.00 1,279.00 Ask about this product Have a … We nevertheless have a wait time for new orders, and our phone lines have seen an influx of calls. Faster than my other rec yaks, not by a huge amount but for a plastic boat it's a sleek machine. In calm sheltered water not my first boat but I ca n't that! Producing kayaks as fast as we safely can and shipping kayaks to dealers daily a bit different blade falls! Onto the back deck a punchy 10 ft. package to dealers daily because of my relative inexperience with kayaking on! 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