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

> 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.
>
> Is this a normal kayak fit? I've been paddling my Acadia too much to know
> the feel of a *real* touring kayak.  But I think I have the bug now.
>
> If the seat could have been adjusted, that would have helped.  Just an inch
> or two more leg room would have done the trick.

The Eclipse is an extremely typical touring kayak.  I have a terrible time with
most current boats, as I like to sit somewhat crosslegged and brace with my
knees.  Most of the _at_#$$% thigh braces catch my legs way too high.  One thing
you should definitely know with the plastic Perception boats is that the thigh
braces are REMOVABLE and EXCHANGEABLE - they have different sizes and lengths.
Changing (removing in my case) the braces makes all the difference in the world
to me - it isn't that the cockpit is too cramped, it's that my damned legs are
pinned to the floor.

If you're looking at an Eclipse be sure to take the brace adjustments into
account.  If it still doesn't fit you well, I strongly recommend trying the Cape
Horn from Wilderness Systems.  It is a newer design that you don't hear a lot
about, a bit short for a full-out touring boat at 15'5.  However, I fit into it
like a charm, and it's a boat that just plain worked for me from the moment I
got in it.  For 2001, they've introduced a shorter (14'7" and longer (17'3")
version of this boat.  At a recent Paddlefest I paddled the original version for
an hour during a stroke clinic (instructor nominated me "most improved" which
was a polite way of saying that I really, really sucked at the start); then
hopped directly into the longer version to try it out.  Felt like a completely
different boat, and I didn't like it nearly as much.  I think they hit the nail
on the head with the original, but try them out and see what you think.

KeS

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