Re: [Paddlewise] More on the Perception Eclipse and Kayak Fit

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2000 13:25:48 -0700
Luke Hoffman wrote:
> 
> Thanks to everybody who provided input on the Perception Eclipse.  I went
> down to the outdoor store at lunch and tried it on. I found entrance and
> exit a little difficult. This kind of surprised because several people in
> my size range (around 6' 2") through the cockpit was roomy.  When I was in
> the cockpit it felt pretty good, but when I was getting in and getting out
> the thigh braces blocked me a little bit.  I ended up having to wedge both
> knees together and then come out.  It wasn't pretty.

Be leery of this.  Were you wearing your "normal" paddling togs and footgear? 
If not, consider that a 3 mm wetsuit will make the fit tighter.  Are the thigh
braces of a type which can be shaved somewhat to fit you better?

Also ask for (and get) a demonstration of how the seat cam be repositioned
rearward an inch (no more!) if that's what you need.  I have not done that with
the seat on an Eclipse, but it is not too tricky on earlier models of sea
kayaks Perception makes.

Don't move the seat more than an inch -- you can seriously alter the trim of
the boat and that will affect its paddling performance.  If you really love the
boat, and have to move the seat to fit it, then you will have to always paddle
with some ballast in the front compartment to get the trim back to where it
should be.

Although it is normal to do some outfitting to make the cockpit fit you,
personally, moving the seat back should be done cautiously.  Matt Broze can
probably elucidate the whys and wherefores for us.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Thu Oct 19 2000 - 13:24:27 PDT

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