This is not a review but an overview. Reviews should include unbiased positives and negatives of the kayak so buyers understand what they are truly getting for the money. I own one, it has its shortfalls, like the molded rod holders and initial issues with the pedal drive mechanics. However, perception has gone out of its way to provide outstanding customer service to resolve the kayaks shortcomings. You can buy this kayak and rig it all the way and still be under the cost of its nearest priced competitor.
Brian Thomas - I wholeheartedly agree with you about the experience I have had with this kayak and the service I have received from the manufacturer. I just received my updated drive unit and new bracket hardware on Saturday and will be making the changes on Sunday. Might try to get it out for a test drive with the new hardware after getting that done. As for the cost, I have been able to buy a Garmin echoMAP 45CV unit and Ram mount for it, a Penn Battle II reel with a Ugly Stik Select Inshore rod, flush-mount rod holders to install, and still have some cash to spare with the money I saved from buying this boat instead of the next level up. I am okay with being an early adopter in order to provide the manufacturer, and potential buyers, feedback in order to keep them informed. Fortunately, Perception and Confluence Outdoors are interested in that feedback and are doing what they can to make the kayak a better vessel for everyone.
Can either of you guys comment on the quality of the seat and also about the drive itself and how it attaches to the kayak? I am just curious if it seems to put any stress on the kayak hull without a supporting bar like on the propel. I would like to get one but those are two things that have been holding me back.
The seat is very comfortable so far. Some others might be more robust and heavy duty, but this one is fine. The drive attaches to a large mounting plate, as can be seen in any of the repair kit videos. I have not seen any flex in the deck, even while pedaling hard. If you have concerns, I would highly recommend finding a local dealer and trying it out before buying it. As you can see in different posts and comments, several of us are very happy with our purchases, even with the few initial production issues.
I want to buy one, because of its in more in my price range (still high for a broke guy with a family). But the going from reverse back into forward thump on the drive scared the he** out of me. How long before that constant forward/reverse motion rips the screws right out of the kayak?! I noticed that there is no hatches (or anywhere to put one) to get to it to fix it. That might be worse than all the drive problems combined!!!
I wrote a super long review and just deleted it. Look, spend more and get the slayer propel 12 or 13. This thing is alright, but its cheap for a reason. Plastic warps. Drives quick key bends viciously if you hit a stump. I could say many good things, but the cons outweigh the pros by a ton. Got questions, I'll answer. I'm not being biased, I still have mine and let my friends use it.
Eduardo Garcia very easy and cheap to install a side handle. However, on the inside of the side there is a spot that you grab the kayak from the side. It's right next to the seat.
I did take one out for a test ride. The drive clogged up with string sea weed and took a bit of unraveling while in the water. I wasn’t keen after that but it did get a good turn of speed.
Steohen Husak I installed flush mount rod holders where two of the molded rod holders are. Or, like what stated earlier, you can put pvc in theirs holders and it works quite well.
This is not a review but an overview. Reviews should include unbiased positives and negatives of the kayak so buyers understand what they are truly getting for the money. I own one, it has its shortfalls, like the molded rod holders and initial issues with the pedal drive mechanics. However, perception has gone out of its way to provide outstanding customer service to resolve the kayaks shortcomings. You can buy this kayak and rig it all the way and still be under the cost of its nearest priced competitor.
Brian Thomas - I wholeheartedly agree with you about the experience I have had with this kayak and the service I have received from the manufacturer. I just received my updated drive unit and new bracket hardware on Saturday and will be making the changes on Sunday. Might try to get it out for a test drive with the new hardware after getting that done. As for the cost, I have been able to buy a Garmin echoMAP 45CV unit and Ram mount for it, a Penn Battle II reel with a Ugly Stik Select Inshore rod, flush-mount rod holders to install, and still have some cash to spare with the money I saved from buying this boat instead of the next level up. I am okay with being an early adopter in order to provide the manufacturer, and potential buyers, feedback in order to keep them informed. Fortunately, Perception and Confluence Outdoors are interested in that feedback and are doing what they can to make the kayak a better vessel for everyone.
Can either of you guys comment on the quality of the seat and also about the drive itself and how it attaches to the kayak? I am just curious if it seems to put any stress on the kayak hull without a supporting bar like on the propel. I would like to get one but those are two things that have been holding me back.
The seat is very comfortable so far. Some others might be more robust and heavy duty, but this one is fine. The drive attaches to a large mounting plate, as can be seen in any of the repair kit videos. I have not seen any flex in the deck, even while pedaling hard. If you have concerns, I would highly recommend finding a local dealer and trying it out before buying it. As you can see in different posts and comments, several of us are very happy with our purchases, even with the few initial production issues.
I want to buy one, because of its in more in my price range (still high for a broke guy with a family). But the going from reverse back into forward thump on the drive scared the he** out of me. How long before that constant forward/reverse motion rips the screws right out of the kayak?! I noticed that there is no hatches (or anywhere to put one) to get to it to fix it. That might be worse than all the drive problems combined!!!
Trying to decide between this and the eddyline 14. Any help?
I wrote a super long review and just deleted it. Look, spend more and get the slayer propel 12 or 13. This thing is alright, but its cheap for a reason. Plastic warps. Drives quick key bends viciously if you hit a stump. I could say many good things, but the cons outweigh the pros by a ton. Got questions, I'll answer. I'm not being biased, I still have mine and let my friends use it.
For $2600 you can keep it
I liked it, but I missed a simple side handle.
Eduardo Garcia very easy and cheap to install a side handle. However, on the inside of the side there is a spot that you grab the kayak from the side. It's right next to the seat.
the pedal drive is the same as the wildness
how is the pilot for sea use? does it handle wind and waves and swell ??
Lots of videos on TH-cam of them in big water, they look like they handle it very well
I did take one out for a test ride. The drive clogged up with string sea weed and took a bit of unraveling while in the water. I wasn’t keen after that but it did get a good turn of speed.
@@mox1968 that's what I'm concerned about with the prop driven boats. Hobies mirage drive is nice but none of their boats appeal to me
I ended up buying a Viking reload paddle driven but seriously set up for offshore use.
Are they fixing the prop slipping problem? Its to bad the rod holders are basically useless.
Steohen Husak I installed flush mount rod holders where two of the molded rod holders are. Or, like what stated earlier, you can put pvc in theirs holders and it works quite well.
Thumbs down for 720p max resolution. We’re in 2020, not 1999 smh.
Really? 720 is HD..... That's a petty reason to leave a dislike