Chloe Zhang
Perception Kayaks have been manufacturing kayaks for over 40 years, pioneering the modern kayak and introducing more people to paddling than any other kayak brand. In 1977, Perception introduced some of the first rotomolded plastic kayaks, a revolutionary innovation that made kayaking accessible to the masses. Today, Perception Kayaks offers a range of recreational and fishing kayaks made with durable rotomolded polyethylene plastic, providing excellent value for families, recreational paddlers, and anglers on a budget. Their kayaks are known for solid performance, ease of maintenance, and affordability. With proper care, a Perception kayak can last through many seasons of hard use, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective kayaking experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | Polyethylene, Rotomolded plastic, Composite plastic |
| Plastic Properties | Recyclable, repairable, flexible in warm conditions |
| Cleaning Instructions | Mild soap and water, protectant against UV rays |
| Composite Kayak Care | Rinse with fresh water, buff with rubbing compound, polish |
| Transport | Use a rigid bar sport rack and a "kayack cradle" |
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What You'll Learn
Rotomolded plastic
Perception Kayaks introduced some of the first rotomolded plastic kayaks in 1977, revolutionizing the sport. The durability, affordability, and ease of manufacturing allowed for mass production and distribution, making kayaking more accessible to the general public.
The process of rotomolding has continued to evolve, with improvements in process control and plastic powders. One area of focus is reducing cycle time and improving part quality through mold pressurization. However, the main drawback of this technique is the risk of explosion due to pressurized parts.
Rotomolded products, such as the Cyclone Plastic Hopper Bin, offer unique advantages and find applications in various industries. The development of larger machinery and advancements in heating systems, such as the indirect high-velocity air system, have further enhanced the capabilities of rotomolding.
Overall, rotomolded plastic has played a significant role in the kayaking industry, with Perception Kayaks leading the way in innovation and accessibility.
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Polyethylene
Perception Kayaks, a trusted name in the industry, has utilized polyethylene to craft a range of recreational and fishing kayaks catering to diverse customer needs. Their kayaks are known for their stability and performance, with models suitable for families, anglers, and paddlers on a budget. The rotomolded polyethylene construction ensures that these kayaks are both durable and competitively priced.
The maintenance requirements for polyethylene kayaks are minimal. To clean your kayak, mild soap and water are recommended. Additionally, using a plastic protectant like 303 Protectant guards against UV rays and maintains the kayak's shine. Polyethylene's flexibility in warm conditions is worth noting, as it may cause temporary deformation if the kayak is strapped tightly to a roof rack for extended periods.
Perception Kayaks offers a range of care instructions for their polyethylene models. They advise against dragging the kayak on the ground to maintain its appearance and performance. When transporting the kayak, using a rigid bar sport rack and a "kayak cradle" is suggested to distribute weight and prevent deformation.
In summary, polyethylene has been a pivotal material in the development of Perception Kayaks, enabling them to create durable and affordable kayaks that have introduced many people to the sport. With proper care and maintenance, these kayaks can provide countless hours of enjoyable paddling while retaining their like-new condition for years.
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$13.99
Durability
Perception Kayaks are made from rotomolded plastic, a process that involves moulding plastic into a kayak shape. This method of construction was pioneered by Perception in 1977 and allowed for the mass production and distribution of kayaks, bringing the sport to the general public.
The specific type of plastic used is polyethylene, a durable, affordable, and easily manufactured material. Polyethylene is recyclable and repairable, with welding being an option for fixing cracks or holes. Kayaks made from this material are virtually maintenance-free, although they can become more flexible in warm conditions, so it is important to store and transport them correctly to avoid deformation.
Perception Kayaks also offers composite kayaks made from fibreglass or Kevlar laminate. These kayaks require a small amount of additional care, as they are more flexible in some sections and can sustain structural damage from hard impacts. Superficial scratches can be buffed out with a rubbing compound, followed by a polishing compound. More extensive repairs may require a gel coat repair kit.
To clean a polyethylene Perception Kayak, mild soap and water can be used. To protect against UV rays and maintain shine, a plastic protectant like 303 Protectant can be applied. For composite boats, car wax recommended for fibreglass should be applied to protect the finish. With proper care and maintenance, a Perception touring kayak can last through many seasons of hard use.
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Recyclability
Perception Kayaks are made from plastic, specifically polyethylene, a recyclable and repairable material. This sets them apart from many other plastic kayaks, which may be less amenable to repair. Polyethylene is a flexible material that becomes more malleable in warm conditions, such as on hot, sunny days. This is an important factor to consider when storing or transporting a Perception Kayak. For example, a kayak strapped tightly to a roof rack on a hot day may deform at the weight-bearing points.
Perception Kayaks were one of the first companies to introduce rotomolded plastic kayaks, a revolutionary innovation that made kayaks durable, affordable, and easily manufactured. This allowed for the mass production and distribution of kayaks, bringing the sport to the general public in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, their kayaks are still made with durable rotomolded polyethylene plastic, which is virtually maintenance-free.
The recyclability of polyethylene means that, in the unlikely event that a kayak needs to be repaired during its lifetime, welding is an option. This is in addition to the standard repair option of using a gel coat repair kit, which can be purchased from a Perception dealer.
Perception Kayaks also offers composite kayaks (PRO models) made of fiberglass or Kevlar laminate, which require slightly more care than their rotomolded kayaks. Scratches or superficial damage to composite kayaks can be buffed and polished, but hard impacts may result in structural damage, so it is important to inspect the hull after a collision.
To maintain the shine and performance of a Perception Kayak, the company recommends using an ultraviolet protectant, such as 303 Aerospace Protectant, to guard against UV rays. Additionally, it is important to avoid dragging the kayak across the ground and to properly maintain and replace parts such as the shock cord, static lines, and foot braces as needed.
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Repairability
Perception Kayaks are made from rotomolded plastic, a process that involves moulding plastic into a kayak shape. This method of construction allows for mass production and distribution, making Perception Kayaks a popular choice for those new to kayaking. The rotomolded plastic used by Perception Kayaks is high-density linear polyethylene, which is virtually maintenance-free. Polyethylene is a recyclable and repairable plastic, which is advantageous should a hull crack or puncture occur due to extreme impact or contact with a sharp object. In the case of a hull crack or puncture, Perception Kayak owners can contact the company or a dealer to determine if the damage falls under the boat's warranty. One repair option available is welding, although this is an uncommon occurrence, with less than one percent of boats requiring this repair.
Perception Kayaks also offers composite kayaks (PRO models), which are made of fibreglass or Kevlar laminate and require slightly more care than their rotomolded counterparts. Scratches or superficial damage to composite kayaks can be buffed with a rubbing compound and followed by a polishing compound. More extensive repairs may require a gel coat repair kit, which is available from Perception dealers. Hard impacts to composite kayaks may result in structural damage, so it is important to inspect the hull after a collision. Fine white lines on the interior of the hull may indicate a resin fracture, which could require a composite repair kit available from a Wilderness Systems dealer.
To clean a polyethylene Perception Kayak, mild soap and water can be used. It is also recommended to use a plastic protectant like 303 Protectant to guard against UV rays and maintain the boat's shine. For composite boats, a car wax recommended for fibreglass should be applied to protect the finish. Preventative and seasonal maintenance will ensure that a Perception Kayak lasts through many seasons of hard use. Before each outing, it is important to check all shock cords and static lines, replacing any that are loose or frayed. Foot braces should also be checked to ensure they are not jammed with sand or grit, which can be removed with a small scrub brush and a garden hose.
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Frequently asked questions
Perception Kayaks are made of rotomolded polyethylene plastic. This plastic is recyclable, repairable, and virtually maintenance-free.
First, contact Perception or your Perception dealer to determine if the damage falls under the boat's warranty. If not, you can refer to Perception's standard-grade polyethylene plastic repair guide.
Clean your kayak with mild soap and water. You can also use a plastic protectant like 303 Protectant to guard against UV rays and make your kayak shine. Avoid dragging your kayak across the ground and always use a rigid bar sport rack in addition to a "kayak cradle" when transporting it.
