Pair it with a wide variety of RAM accessories and mounts (sold separately) to hold phones, tablets, cameras, fishing rods, fishfinders, cup holders and much . We would just suggest paying no more than $100 for one of these used kayaks. The Rambler is the ideal recreational cruiser which can cope with ocean surf, gentle rivers, lakes and ocean bays. Reading reviews from other kayak users is helpful in deciding which boat will be best for you. If youre a dedicated kayak angler, you would be hard-pressed to find a kayak with more versatility than Vibes Shearwater 125. Theres no sweat off the back of the guide company because they will be earning a daily rental fee by allowing you to test the kayak (or kayaks) you are interested in. Length: 9 5 (287 cm)Width: 31.5 (80 cm)Weight: 48.5 lb (22 kg)Capacity: 300 lb (136 kg), Length: 11 5 (348 cm)Width: 30.25 (77 cm)Weight: 52 lb (24 kg)Capacity: 350 lb (159 kg). The Drifts design is sturdy and easy to paddle, while also being convenient to move around on land with solid moulded handles and a shorter design make it easy to store, too. This deck padding is also on the rear swim platform which allows you to climb back up onto your board if you choose to go in for a swim, intentionally or otherwise. Lets take a closer look at these categories, along with some of the models within them, to help you find the best Perception kayak for your paddling aspirations. That, of course, includes (but isnt necessarily limited to) packing kayaking safety equipment, transporting your kayak from home to your launching location, launching, landing, storing your kayak when you are not using it, and, last but not least, actually paddling! Bio of Henry Ford Founder of Ford Motor Company, Food and Beverage Chain Mission Statements. Both Perception and Old Town are well-established kayak brands with a reputation for making quality products. Plus, the Dancer was predominantly a whitewater kayak in its heyday and, to be quite frank, most of the best whitewater kayaks out there these days are nowhere near 117 in length. For the sake of more easily comparing the Perception Dancer to other kayaks, heres a quick list of this kayaks main specifications: For what its worth, Perception also produced the Dancer XS and Dancer XT kayaks. Theyre a great option to get on the water with a less experienced kayaker or a child. Mid-sized paddlers will relish the performance of this award-winning kayak. Founded in 2016, Bonafide Kayaks is a relative newcomer to the kayak fishing market. Next, plastic is easily manufactured, allowing for mass production and distribution making kayaks readily available to markets that didnt have access to them before. 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. It is a good option for families and has enough room in the cockpit for all of your gear. Incredible pedal performance in a punchy 10 ft. package. While we all have to be respectful of health and safety protocols these days, we still recommend inspecting any used kayak in person before finalizing a purchase. While we dont need to get too far into the details of why this is important here, you should know that proper paddling technique engages your core muscles just as much as it requires the muscles in your arms, back, and shoulders. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Perception Kayaks brought the sport to the general public with industry-leading recreational, touring and whitewater designs. Rod holders, tank wells and tackle storage areas are standard. First, plastic is durable making shipping, storage, and bumping down rivers and scraping on sand a worry of the past when it came to kayaks. A lot goes into just getting your kayak to the waters edge with all of the gear you need for a safe paddling endeavor. electric pumps to make inflating and deflating it easier. Vibe makes premium sit-on-top fishing kayaks. When viewing kayaks, many companies, including Perception, have a number in the kayaks name (for example the Carolina 12.0). Another common feature is a frame seat that is more supportive and allows you to sit higher on the water for easier casting, stalking and fighting fish. He is also a cofounder of PaddleMore.co.uk. The ultimate sit-inside kayak for kids and petite paddlers. These cheap kayaks are adequate for someone who doesnt want to make much of a financial commitment to kayaking, or just wants a boat to use for short outings. Perception kayaks are made of high-density polyethylene. If you are looking for a kayak that can rock and roll with the waves but still remain in control, then consider the Perception Sport Rambler 9.5 Kayak. While paddling the Hi Life as a sit-on-top, youll appreciate the supportive backrest and padded seat system, raised for a comfortable ride and better fishing position if youre a keen angler. The bestselling Tribe tandem now features framed seat backs. It is an unrestricted kayak that is stable enough for beginners, yet features speed and tracking for more experienced paddlers. If you can find one, you can request a rental of that specific kayak for day use. While the Perception Dancer was a high-quality kayak back in its day, the plastic or polyethylene material used in kayak construction is naturally going to break down over time. Theres also a couple of flush-mount rod holders behind your seat. Prices in your market may vary due to currency, VAT, and other taxes. If your sole focus is fishing and you want a similar boat, have a look at the Outlaw. The Cove is slightly more touring focused than Perceptions other tandem boats, and the longer, narrower waterline will allow it to cover more water with ease. Some of the used Perception kayaks you find may be whitewater kayaks. From the Drift, the Sound has retained an extremely stable tri-keeled hull, meaning it still tracks effectively, but the outfitting has been padded considerably better on the seat and backrest and this time theres knee padding too. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Through the 80s and 90s kayaking began to be opened to the general public as a result of these new durable, stable, and relatively inexpensive plastic kayaks. Search. All rights reserved. A little more can take you a long way in this 14 foot Carolina created with performance for the d Cruise, explore and fish, with kayakings most well-rounded performer. Bonafide Kayaks in 2023: Model Lineup and Reviews, 3 Waters Kayaks in 2023: Model Lineup and Reviews, NuCanoe Kayaks in 2023: Full Model Lineup and Reviews, FeelFree Kayaks in 2023: Full Model Lineup and Reviews, Sea Eagle Kayaks in 2023: Full Model Lineup and Reviews, Crescent Kayaks in 2023: Full Model Range and Reviews, Eddyline Kayaks in 2023: Model Lineup and Reviews, Vibe Kayaks in 2023: Full Model Lineup and Reviews, The Neko Rig: How to Rig and Fish for Bass, How Hot Is a Campfire? They are sold through big-box stores and online retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Therefore a management decision was made for Perception to abandon the highly competitive whitewater market and to focus its attention on the other types of kayaking where there is less change and Perception can continue to be positioned as the tried and true brand in plastic kayaks. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I grew up kayaking, fishing, sailing, and partaking in outdoor adventures around the Great Lakes. On a very basic level, the main problem that we see with finding these boats used is that even the newest models will be more than 30 years old. Many of these companies have larger stocks of rental kayaks that are sometimes a decade or two old. The Rambler Tandem is a fantastic two person recreational kayak for days out exploring your local lake or slow moving river, and has plenty of storage for all that kit you want to make your day really enjoyable. If they are in good condition, these older models may be a perfect fit for your needs. Each year the two companies would come out with their newest models, which in those days was focused on boat design rather than outfitting. In the late 90s, as whitewater kayaking was growing and more companies were entering the market, the two main players in the United States were Perception Kayaks and Dagger Kayaks. You can also adapt your search based on how long you intend to use your kayak each time you take it out. One last resort you might explore is to call around to a few local kayak guiding companies in your area to see if any of them have a Perception Dancer in stock. This strong and inexpensive plastic is great for kayaks; it bends and flexes instead of breaking. Prices subject to change without notice. Looking for a hands free kayaking experience? However, Ocean Kayak also makes sit-on-top kayaks designed for more open water touring, like the Tetra 12, which is longer and faster than any of Perceptions one-person sit-on-tops. The captains chair can be adjusted and even removed, so that when you get to your lunchtime beach stop you can still enjoy the same comfort you had on the water. It is great for all ages and skill levels and can withstand waves, currents and surf. *Prices shown are suggested U.S. and Canadian Dollar retail prices, net not including taxes. As it was originally designed, the main purpose for the Perception Dancer kayak was whitewater paddling. The Expression has enough rear storage to make it a great overnight boat, while the high quality outfitting, more snug and connective than that of the Conduit or the Carolina, heightens your control of the boat. Boats were getting smaller and companies were experimenting with new hull shapes. These kayaks have open decks and wide hulls that are extremely stable. The Tribe is a ridiculously comfortable kayak for light surf, floating down lazy rivers and exploring flat water lakes. See and review all Perception kayaks here. These three factors are responsible for the explosion of kayaking as a sport in the 1990s and early 2000s. While theres a chance you could convince a seller to hold a small deposit on the vessel while allowing you to take it for a test run, the odds are you are going to have to do a visual check of the kayak on land when buying used. A benefit of this strategy is that it can naturally transition to testing multiple different types of kayaks to help you find the model that feels most comfortable. Today, their inflatable kayaks are used and loved all over the world. Length: 13 6 (412 cm)Width: 34 (86 cm)Weight: 78 lb (35 kg)Capacity: 550 lb (249 kg). In fact, they invent the plastic kayak, which made it a more affordable sport and allowed more people to get into the fun. Options featured in this kayak include zone seats, a Keepers Foot Brace System, bow and stern hatches and bungee deck rigging. Sit-Inside Kayaks . A long and stable design makes this boat incredibly forgiving, cementing it as a firm family favorite in the Perception range. Rudder capable. Use this as a start, and remember that online research will only get you so far. The multiple footrests mean that paddlers of all sizes can jump in and out of the Rambler without having to make any adjustments, and the seating and backrest are comfortable and supportive enough to keep you on the water all day long. 140 Best Pedal Kayak: Hobie Mirage Outback Best Under $1,000: Pelican Catch Classic 120. The double barrel rod holders mean you can take four rods out on the water with you and theyll be out of your way while youre paddling. The Showdown 11.5 pedal kayak was developed to excel as a fishing kayak. With unsurpassed levels of stability, a spacious standing area and room to grow, the Hi Five will be part of the family for years, rather than a season or two. 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. Some of the sit-on-tops are comparable between these two companies, especially the lower-priced ones. This larger cockpit also makes it feel safe and accessible for any nervous paddlers starting out. Generally, longer kayakslike those in Perceptions day touring lineup, including the Expression, Conduit and Carolina modelsare quicker and track (travel in a straight line) better. All of the companys products are made in the USA in Greenville, South Carolina. So you want a bit more fishing than the Drift offers? Old Town makes sit-on-top recreational kayaks as well as longer, sit-inside touring kayaks like the Looksha 17 (formerly the Necky Looksha). Perception is a kayak manufacturer that's known around the world for pioneering the use of plastic kayaks and has been bringing adventure to the masses for five decades. The plastic feels and looks cheap, however, it is durable so this may not make a difference. The Rambler sits at the cheaper end of Perceptions sit-on-top range, but that doesnt make it a poorer younger sibling to the Tribe and Access. Search. Perception Kayaks was Started in the early 1970s in South Caroline by Bill Masters on a $50 investment. The number indicates the length of the kayak in feet. It was Perceptions recreational kayaks that many rental fleets began to be stocked with alongside their old aluminum canoes. They also provide some protection from sun, rain and splashing waves on your legs as you paddle. Dont worry, though, its still incredibly comfortable and the molded backrest is really supportive, so you can still paddle this boat all day long. Today, Perception Kayaks is owned by the Confluence Outdoor group, which also includes five other paddling companies, among them Wilderness Systems and Dagger Kayaks. Its tough to imagine a nearly 12-foot kayak that can actually turn quickly when you need to avoid a rock or log. Perception kayaks have been around for over 40 years, and they are distributed across North America. The Catch is Pelican's flagship line of fishing kayaks, with sit-on-top Pelican Catch models ranging from the 10-foot Catch 100 with multiple sitting positions and enough stability to stand up, to the longer Catch 130 sit-on-top, which can be paddled or propelled with Pelican's Hydryve II pedal system. This tip is actually true for new and used kayaks. Kayaking is a great escape anytime, and especially now. The 13ft length and a v-shaped hull help this boat cruise effortlessly, tracking well in choppier conditions, while soft chines and a wide beam make it stable enough that you wont just get in and tip out the other side when launching for the first time. Perfect for all skill levels and can be used on lakes, ocean bays, light surf or even slow moving rivers. Additional extras like the removable fin change how this boat paddles, while the central gear track allows you to fully accessorise your Hi Life with T-Bolt mounted gear. Perception Sport Swiftwater 13.5 Tandem Kayak Review, Perception Sport Swiftwater 13.5 Tandem Kayak, Perception Sport Rambler 9.5 Kayak Review, Perception Sport Sundance 12.0 Kayak Review. Even though these kayaks are no longer being produced, they are still great designs. The moulded paddle park across the top deck means that when the Hi Five is being used as a diving platform, you know the paddle will always be there when you need to get moving again. Perception was at the forefront of this innovation. Length: 10 6 (323 cm) Width: 32 (81 cm) Weight: 57 lb (26 kg)Capacity: 325 lb (147 kg), Length: 12 (365 cm)Width: 32.5 (82 cm)Weight: 64 lb (29 kg)Capacity: 375 lb (170 kg).