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Perception ABS Airalite Eclipse 17’ sea whitewater kayak - trade - $800 (Harmony , R.I.)
boat type:
kayak/canoe/SUP
propulsion type:
human
condition:
excellent
engine hours (total):
length overall (LOA):
17
make / manufacturer:
Perception
model name / number:
Eclipse airalite
year manufactured:
2005
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CASH ONLY - OR barter-trade (see below).
No Phone Number - No Response
Price is FIRM
INCLUDES the pictured cockpit cover, paddle and one (but not both) of the spray skirts shown; nothing else.
HULL : Perception developed the AIRALITE hull, a combination of acrylic with ABS plastic, to achieve stiffness and withstand harsh conditions. Airalite is more rigid than rotomolded plastic and is as rigid and light, but more abrasion resistant than fiberglass. ABS has been used for many years in white water kayaks and canoes and often seen under the trade name of Royalex (many currently appearing on Craigslist, if you care to look). Unlike fiberglass, carbon or kevlar, you can hit a rock with ABS and it will not crack or splinter; it may indent but can be popped out when warmed in the sun or with a heat gun.
So with this ABS hull, you can take this sea kayak on white water river rapids too.
COMPARE PLASTICS : the common rotomolded inexpensive kayak hulls from big box stores tend to flex, do not have reliably water tight bulkheads, (if they even have bulkheads), and so are not as safe or handle as well as the more rigid kayaks with bulkheads. Perception sells a less expensive rotomolded Eclipse model that is NOT the same as this, their ABS Airalite model. The last picture of the collapsed yellow kayak shows how much a cheaper rotomolded kayak can flex in high heat.
This kayak has an on-the-deck resting rudder system (not a skeg) and two water-tight bulkheads with hatches for storage, flotation and rigidity. Watertight bulkheads will keep your kayak floating in the event that you capsize or take on much water. They also minimize the amount of water sloshing around inside a flooded Kayak. The weight shifting of water in a flooded kayak is pretty unnerving and unmanageable.
WEIGHT : The manufacturer decal inside states that this kayak weighs 51-54 pounds in Airalite, which is the weight of any fiberglass or plastic kayak 17’ long with hatches, bulkheads and a rudder system; some similarly equipped kayaks can weigh up to 60 pounds. You may notice that even some of the carbon or kevlar kayaks with bulkheads and hatches give their weight here on CL at 49lbs. or more.
If you wanted a much lighter kayak, then you would be looking at a carbon, kevlar or skin over frame kayak without bulkheads/hatches and for a lot more money.
CONDITION : This has spent its life in a garage when not being used; the gel coat is shiny and unblemished. The bottom is not scraped beyond minimal from launching.
This is an excellent condition and well equipped kayak for not much money. It handles heavy seas and rolls very well; the rudder really helps in strong winds and currents.
I’m only selling this because I am an upper seventies senior. I am all done with overnight kayak expeditions and no longer venture far onto the open ocean. I am willing to forego the safety and storage of bulkheads/hatches/rudder to get into a lighter boat. (So my old guy replacements are a carbon racing kayak and a skin on frame Greenland Inuit kayak, both about 30lbs., both without bulkheads but with air bag flotation.)
FIT : the cockpit under deck height is 13” tall and the large cockpit opening is 33” long X 18” wide.
It’s probably best for medium to extra large paddlers. Fits me very well with men’s size 11 shoes and 32” pants inseam with enough room to bend the legs sufficiently for the all important, well braced triangle of feet, knees and butt. I wear medium waist pants, weigh 170lb. and know it could take someone larger or smaller. The pictured, original equipment seat padding is quite comfortable. My 5’ 3” wife has used it. It has adjustable foot pegs.
If you like how this kayak fits you on our lawn, you are welcome to try it out on a local pond.
If you buy the kayak, I will include a rolling lesson on a local pond.
BARTER/TRADES : Would consider a trade/barter, (plus or minus cash) SPECIFICALLY for : 1) a 150cc or larger on or off-road major brand motorcycle or ATV OR 2) a higher end acoustic guitar, OR 3) 3 point hitch category 1 tractor attachments, OR 4) a major brand e-bike mountain bike , all terrain bike (ATB) OR 5) a high end 56-58cm titanium, carbon or steel frame road bicycle. (Not aluminum), OR 6) antique or modern hunting or target items that go “bang”.
Please be very specific in describing what you have and the value you give to it. If vague, I will assume a scam.
TO CONTACT : If you would like a response, please text or email only and using a complete sentence, SPECIFICALLY mention the words : Perception Airalite Eclipse 17’ kayak. I am also listing another 17’ kayak, so please be that specific. Also include your usable 10 digit phone number.
Thanks for reading and understanding all of the above.