Perception Sizing

Choosing a Kayak

When choosing your right kayak, there are many factors to take into consideration. We recommend talking to your local Perception dealer to help with this decision. Information provided here will help you understand our product line and steer you in the right direction.

Step One – Paddling Style

Where do you want to kayak and what will you be doing? Our kayaks fall into 3 categories. Each category has the right combination of size options, outfitting, storage, and performance features for the intended uses outlined below.

Attributes Recreational Touring Sea Kayaking

Ideal Types of Water		 Ponds, small lakes, bays, slow moving rivers. Lakes, bays, moving rivers, currents, limited ocean use. Lakes, bays, moving rivers, rougher currents, ocean.
Trip Duration Day trips Day or weekend trips (less than 20 miles) Day or weekend trips, expeditions
Skill Levels Low to Intermediate Intermediate to Advanced Intermediate to Advanced
Gear Storage Low to Moderate Moderate Moderate to High



Step Two – Performance Characteristics

Once you’ve gotten a general idea of your paddling style, you are able to narrow it down more precisely by understanding the performance characteristics that are typical for each category. Below is a chart of how each performs relative to the other categories in each characteristic.
 

Characteristic Recreational Touring Sea Kayaking

Stability		 Best Better     Good

Manageability		 Best Better     Good

Speed/Glide		 Good Better     Best

Tracking		 Better Better     Best

Maneuverability		 Good Better     Best

 

Definitions

Stability – general capability of boat’s resistance to tipping over under normal conditions
Manageability – refers to ease of carrying, car topping, and storing the kayak when outside of the water
Speed and Glide – boat’s efficiency moving through the water and potential for higher velocity.
Tracking – boat’s ability to stay in a straight line.
Maneuverability – boat’s ability to turn precisely.

Step Three – Features and Outfitting

Once you’ve decided on a kayak model or two that fits your needs, looking at the features and outfitting can help in making your decision.

Cockpit: Cockpit outfitting is key to finding the best fit for comfort, safety, and control. Look for inclusion of a thigh brace or backrest, and adjustability if you will be doing longer trips or kayaking rough conditions. Pay attention to cockpit size to ensure it fits your body type.

Hatches and Bulkheads: Located at either end of the boat, the hatch is the opening to store gear and the bulkhead is the vertical wall that seals the compartment. Also a great safety feature providing buoyancy to the boat.

Deck Rigging: Deck lines, bungies, and toggles add safety in convenience for certain types of paddling. A spare paddle, compass, navigational charts, and other items can be readily available on deck.

Rudder: A mechanical device at the stern of the boat that is foot controlled and can aid in both steering and tracking.

Drop-Skeg: Mechanical device at the stern of the boat that can be deployed or retracted by hand. Aids in tracking, but not steering.

Sprayskirts: For many sit-inside kayaks, a sprayskirt can help keep your kayak dry inside, especially for sea kayaking use. Check out our sprayskirt fit chart guide to find a Harmony accessory designed for your kayak.

Finally, we offer a variety of sizes in all of our kayak categories to comfortably accommodate paddlers of all proportions. The best way to ensure the right fit is to schedule a demo with your local dealer.

 

 

Care and Maintenance

Rotomolded Kayak Care
Our “roto” kayaks are made of high-density linear polyethylene, which is virtually maintenance free. A minimal amount of care in storage and transporting will help the kayak maintain a like-new condition for many years.
Polyethylene will become more flexible when in warm conditions such as a hot, sunny day. It is possible for a kayak strapped tightly to a roof rack for a series of days to temporarily deform at the weight bearing points. Use a rigid bar sport rack in addition to a “kayak cradle” to disperse the weight.

Composite Kayak care
Composite kayaks (PRO models), made of a fiberglass or Kevlar laminate, require a small amount of additional care over rotomolded kayaks. Some sections will be more flexible than others. Scratches or superficial damage can be buffed with rubbing compound and followed with a polishing compound. Gel coat repair kits are also available from your Perception dealer for more extensive repairs. Hard impacts may result in structural damage, so inspect your hull after a collision. Inspect the interior of the hull at the location corresponding to the impact. Look for fine white lines mirroring any damage on the outside of the hull. This may indicate a resin fracture. In some cases this may require a composite repair kit available from your Wilderness Systems dealer.

Cleaning
Usually, a quick rinse of fresh water is all that is necessary to keep your hull clean and functioning in good order. This is very important after paddling in salt water, especially if your boat is outfitted with a rudder system. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the rudder, rudder cables, and footbraces with fresh water to remove salt residue. Superficial scratches may occur, but can be removed or reduced by use of a marine boat polish designed for polyethylene hulls. Sanding or use of an abrasive rubbing compound is not recommended. To keep your kayak shining and minimize the long-term degradation caused by UV exposure, use an ultraviolet protectant such as 303 Aerospace Protectant, available at your local Perception dealer.

Warning:
Avoid dragging kayak across the ground to prolong its life and maintain its look and performance. Two people, utilizing the carrying handles, is the best way to transport the boat. Alternately, you can transport using a kayak cart, available at your dealer.

 

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