This document is an owner's manual for Perception kayaks, providing comprehensive information on their anatomy, outfitting, features, transportation, storage, care, maintenance, safety, accessories, and warranty.
Function Description:
Perception kayaks are designed for recreational paddling, offering a fun and active way to experience the outdoors with friends and family. They are built for dependability, quality, and innovation, suitable for various water conditions and user skill levels. The manual guides users through understanding, operating, and maintaining their kayak to ensure years of satisfaction and safe use.
Important Technical Specifications:
The manual details various components and systems of Perception kayaks, differentiating between "Sit On Top" and "Sit Inside" models.
Sit On Top Kayak Anatomy:
- A: Carry handles: For easy transport.
- B: Tankwell with bungee: Storage area with securing bungees.
- C: Seating system: Designed for comfort and support.
- D: Footwells: Molded areas for foot placement.
- E: Self-bailing scupper holes: Drain water from the deck.
- F: Skid plate: Protects the hull from wear.
Sit Inside Kayak Anatomy:
- A: Carry handles: For easy transport.
- B: Cargo hatches: Watertight compartments for storage.
- C: Seating system: Designed for comfort and support.
- D: Safety lines: Ropes along the deck for re-entry or securing items.
- E: Bungee: Elastic cords for securing gear on deck.
- F: Foot braces: Adjustable footrests for paddling efficiency and control.
- G: Thigh braces: Provide contact points for improved control.
- H: Cockpit coaming: The rim around the cockpit opening.
- I: Rudder*: Steering mechanism (not available on all models).
- J: Rudder liftlines*: Lines to raise and lower the rudder (not available on all models).
- K: Bulkhead*: Internal wall providing flotation and structural support (not available on all models).
Outfitting & Features:
- Hatch Covers: Kajak Sport and Dual Density options, designed for easy removal and secure sealing.
- Rudder System: Aftermarket rudder systems are available for enhanced steering. Operation involves a lift line to drop the rudder and footbrace pedals for steering.
- Seating Systems:
- ZONE® DLX Seating: Padded seatback with adjustable forward/back movement via a strap and thumb tab. Backrest height is adjustable with a toggle strap and chrome button. Leg lifters are adjusted with side straps and a thumb tab.
- ZONE® EXP: Features adjustable backband fit with webbing ladderlocks and fine-tune height adjustment with smaller webbing straps. Adjustable thigh pads (on some touring/sea kayaks) are secured with screws for optimal positioning.
- SIT ON TOP SEATING (SOT): Rear nylon straps are adjusted first for an upright, tight seatback, followed by front nylon straps for a firm vertical position.
- COMFORT SEATING SYSTEM (CSS): Lightweight foam seatback adjustable with nylon straps and bungee cord hooks into deck fittings.
- KEEPERS™ FOOT BRACES: Adjustment lever on the backside of the footpedal allows sliding the footpeg to the desired location and locking it in place.
Usage Features:
- Transportation:
- Roof Rack: A crossbar roof rack ("sports rack") or "J cradle" is the best method. Kayaks should be lashed at each crossbar and at the bow and stern. Kayak cradles are recommended for "flat" transport to prevent deformation. Rotomolded kayaks can be transported on their edge or upside down (hull up) using stackers. Airalite kayaks should be transported on their bottom using cradles.
- Foam Block Racks: Can be used with extreme caution, requiring wide support and secure attachment to the vehicle's top, front, and back. Not recommended if front/back tie-down points are unavailable.
- Inclement Weather: Position kayak upside down if possible. Use a portage cover to seal the cockpit if an upside-down position is not possible. Regularly check straps for loosening when wet.
- Safety:
- DO: Wear a USCG approved PFD, wear a helmet in whitewater/ocean surf, get paddlesports instruction, dress appropriately for weather, check equipment before each use, scout unfamiliar waters, stay aware of water conditions, follow manufacturer's recommendations, leave paddling location/agenda with someone, and obtain first aid/rescue training.
- DON'T: Exceed ability, paddle alone, consume alcohol/drugs, paddle in flood conditions, allow minors to use the boat without adult supervision, brace yourself in a way that prevents outfitting release, or impair entry/exit access with outfitting.
- Accessories:
- Essentials Checklist: PFD (USCG approved, comfortable, secure fitting), paddle (consider blade shape, length, weight, material, and a spare), safety equipment (audible signal device, bilge pump, paddle float), personal gear (drinking water, snacks, extra clothes in a drybag, map/chart, first-aid, matches, sun protection).
- Other Accessories: Sprayskirt (for watertight seal), Dry Bag (for water-resistant storage).
- Angler Accessories: Flush Mount Rod Holders, Scotty Bait Caster Rod Holder, Molded-In Rod Holders, Molded-In Ruler, Stand-Up Assist Strap, 3.5 lb Anchor Kit, Anchor Trolley, Anchor Cleat.
Maintenance Features:
- Storage:
- Short Term Storage: Empty all water. Store on its side or vertically temporarily. Avoid extended storage in these positions to prevent flattening/deformation.
- Long Term Storage: Empty all water and rinse with freshwater (especially after saltwater use). Store out of direct sunlight and indoors if possible to prevent UV degradation. Store slung on sides via web straps, positioned 1/3 along the hull. Ensure straps are not tightly wound to prevent deformation. Can also be stored hull up on parallel bars, supporting weight evenly. Position bars to rest on cockpit coaming for large cockpits, or between cockpit and hatches for smaller cockpits.
- CAUTION: Do not suspend by grab loops to avoid hull distortion.
- Rotomolded Kayak Care: Made of high-density linear polyethylene, virtually maintenance-free. Minimal care in storage/transport helps maintain condition. Polyethylene can deform if strapped too tightly in warm conditions; use padded rigid bar sport rack or J cradle/saddles to disperse weight.
- Cleaning: Usually, a quick rinse with fresh water is sufficient. Crucial after saltwater use, especially for rudder systems (rinse rudder, cables, footbraces). Superficial scratches can be reduced with marine boat polish for polyethylene hulls; sanding or abrasive rubbing compounds are not recommended.
- UV Protection: Use an ultraviolet protectant like 303 Protectant to minimize long-term degradation and keep the kayak shining. Can also be used on hatches, seat outfitting, plastic buckles, and straps.
- WARNING: Avoid dragging the kayak across the ground. Transport using carrying handles (two people) or a kayak cart.
Warranty:
- 3-Year Limited Warranty: For original retail purchasers ("Consumer"). Covers material or manufacturing defects in the hull and deck for three years.
- 1-Year Warranty: Parts, accessories, and outfitting are warranted for one year.
- "2nd Quality" Kayaks: Hull, deck, parts, accessories, and outfitting warranted for one year.
- Non-Transferable: Valid only with purchase from an authorized Perception dealer.
- Registration: Register online at perceptionkayaks.com within 30 days. Keep sales receipt as proof of purchase.
- Service: Contact an authorized Perception dealer for inspection. Consumer is responsible for delivery/pickup. If a defect is confirmed, Confluence Outdoor will repair or replace at its option. A $50 shipping/handling fee applies if service is required at the manufacturing facility. International service complies with local standards.
- Limitations and Exclusions: Does not cover normal wear/tear, aging, damage from extreme weather/environmental conditions, damage while in possession of freight carrier/dealer/consumer, damage from accident/neglect/improper use/handling, kayaks towed by power/sail boats, prototypes, "demos" or "as is" condition, kayaks used for non-customary activity, structurally/dimensionally altered/modified kayaks, or commercial/rental use.
- Exclusions of Warranties: Excludes all other expressed or implied warranties, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Excludes incidental or consequential damages. Limitations may vary by state/country/provincial laws.
Service & Support:
- Serial Number: Located near the stern, below the deck and side line, engraved on the right side.
- State Regulations: Some states require registration; MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin) is needed.
- Questions: Visit perceptionkayaks.com for FAQs on seat adjustment, footbrace movement, rudder installation, replacement parts, and accessories.
- Contact Us: (p) 888-52-KAYAK (888-525-2925), (f) 888-373-1220. Service hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST. All warranties and part orders handled through authorized dealers.
Need help?
To Next Page
General