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Perception Eclipse 17.0 Airalite Kayak w/ Rudder - 2006

Perception Eclipse 17.0 Airalite Kayak w/ Rudder - 2006

Item #PER0031|Out of Stock

2006 Model Permanently Out of Stock

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Perception Eclipse 17.0 Airalite Kayak w/ Rudder - 2006

Think you won't notice a few extra pounds? The Eclipse 17.0 Airalite Kayak is willing to bet otherwise. Especially on the long hauls. Made from light but tough Airalite, this Eclipse is as tough as rotomolded plastic, but enjoys the same stiffness and lightweight usually associated with fiberglass composite kayaks. The Eclipse features an upswept bow that breaks and rides waves wonderfully, and flush mounted hatch covers that won't snag things. Because it's a top-end expedition kayak, the Eclipse will hold a line for miles and miles (and miles,) aided by the Yakima rudder to keep your line honest in heavy wind and seas. Since you'll be exploring rocky coastlines and quiet inlets for days at a stretch, you'll appreciate the Eclipse's bevy of comfort features, including a fully adjustable seat with lumbar support and foam knee braces. Ample storage space lets you take everything up to and including the kitchen sink, and the Eclipse's flared midsection means that the more you weigh it down, the steadier it gets. Deck rigging lets you keep essentials like water, food, navigational equipment and a spare paddle close at hand. When you set out on an Expedition in the Eclipse Airalite, you can be confident you're tackling the great unknown in a boat designed from top to bottom to meet your needs on the open water.

Bottom Line: Did we mention this boat is revolutionary?

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Rating for this product: 4

Cost & Benefit

By:
July 8, 2006

I own a Perception Senoma 13.5 aralite, great mid size boat for the river, and it has held up extremely well for a couple of seasons. Wanting to venture out onto the bay I needed something a bit more capable. I paddled numerous boats in the 17' $2K to $3K range. At the end of the day the nod went to the Eclipse. All comparable were about $1K more with no proportional increase in efficiency.

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Rating for this product: 4

Nothing I don't like about this kayak.

By:
May 10, 2004

I test paddled about fifteen different kayaks over a two day period, systematically eliminating the ones I didn't feel great about, based on comfort, speed, feel, stability, looks, affordability, etc. The one I was left with was the Eclipse airalite. It inspired confidence in choppy, windy conditions, felt spririted, turned easily and was very fast. I loved this boat so much I bought one.

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Rating for this product: 4

Great Boat

By:
June 23, 2003

Great boat, I love the Perception features.

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Rating for this product: 4

supper tasty

By: Backcountry.com Employee
August 7, 2006

I took this out for the weekend and my first impression of it was Fast. It cut through the waves with no trouble and seemed fairly stable. Not being a kayak person i felt secure and stable. My only complaint came when i tried to hose the sand out of the hull. The way it is shaped makes it impossible to get a good wash.

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Rating for this product: 5

The best of both worlds

By: Backcountry.com Employee
May 26, 2005

The invention of the Airalite hull material was truly revolutionary. Rather than having to choose between the light and stiff yet incredibly pricy and fragile fiberglass, or the incredibly durable but heavier than my mom rotomolded plastic, Airalite is lightweight, yet durable and scratch resistant. This boat is the ultimate touring rig for those who don’t have three grand to spend on a kayak. It tracks incredibly well, and yet is still highly maneuverable.

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Change me.

Tech Specs:

Hull Material:
Airalite acrylic, ABS 
Length:
17ft 
Width:
22.25in 
Weight:
54lb 
Cockpit:
34x19in 
Storage Volume:
8850 cu in 
Maximum Load:
425lb 
Hatch Type:
Flushmount with neoprene seals 
Skeg:
No 
Rudder:
Yes 
Recommended Use:
Touring 
Paddler Skill:
Intermediate to expert 
Warranty:
Limited 5-year 

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