Gear Locker: Perception Carolina 13.5

August-September 2005

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
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by Alex Matthews

Perception builds the Carolina 13.5 design in two materials: polyethylene or Airalite. My test sample was the Airalite version. Airalite is an ABS thermo-plastic. Thermoforming works by heating up plastic sheet material so that it is malleable, placing it overtop of a mold, and then activating a vacuum so that the plastic sheet is ‘sucked’ down onto the mold, mirroring its shape. The resulting part is cooled and trimmed, and then ready for assembly. A kayak is manufactured in two major components— the deck and hull. Other components like the seat, hatch covers, and bulkheads are also vacuum-formed. On the Carolina 13.5, the parts are bonded together using a methacrylate adhesive. These glues are incredibly strong, creating waterproof, bombproof joints.

The Carolina 13.5 looks good. It has attractive, clean lines, with a gently upswept bow. The Airalite material is glossy, with a finish that looks a lot like a composite boat’s gelcoat. Compared to a composite kayak, Airalite has a little bit of flex, but is far stiffer than polyethylene and won’t deform in the sun the way a poly kayak will. At 52 lbs (measured weight), the Carolina is also far closer in weight to fiberglass than polyethylene.

The Carolina is equipped with both bow and stern hatches. The two-part hatch system consists of neoprene gaskets backed by rigid covers and buckles. The two bulkheads are closed cell foam, neatly bonded into t he kayak. Deck fittings are recessed a nd bungies are laid out in a useful configuration, providing storage on the foredeck and rigging behind the cockpit for a paddle float. The optional rudder is an injection-moulded thermoplastic unit that works well and deploys smoothly.

Optional rudder is injection-moulded thermoplastic.

The large cockpit offers good ease of entry and exit. The foredeck is high, so small paddlers may feel lost in the boat, but medium to large folks will be very comfortable and have plenty of room. A functional set of thigh-hooks are molded into the coaming, and provide good grip for the legs. The padded seat is very comfortable and the large, cushy seatback adjusts with cam buckles.

Afloat, the Carolina surprised me with its lively handling and excellent lean turn. It has lots of initial stability, but is still easy to edge, and responds to a lean by carving a nice turn. Secondary stability is good and the boat feels very confident and predictable on edge. Speed feels about right for a boat of this length, and the Carolina will cruise quite comfortably. Tracking is good while not being overly stiff, but it’s the maneuverability that makes the Carolina so much fun. This is a lively boat that paddles really well, a design in which beginners can improve their skills, and which experienced paddlers will enjoy for its fun handling characteristics and big, comfortable cockpit.

I paddled the Carolina in flat water as well as in wind and waves and enjoyed the boat throughout. I did repeatedly bump my hands on the high foredeck, but this tendency would no doubt disappear when I became accustomed to the kayak and modified my stroke accordingly. The kayak was also a little ‘wetter’ than I expected, with the bow throwing up spray now and again, although this was a minor issue. Paddling through tight channels, navigating rock gardens and picking up surf rides were all great fun in the Carolina.

Perception places the Carolina 13.5 in their ‘Day Touring’ category, and while the 13.5 definitely has enough cargo space for a careful packer to do a weekend trip, it really is a day boat. This kayak has tremendous appeal for those who don’t want or need a long, expedition kayak. Its short length, reasonable weight, excellent handling, and attractive price all combine to create a very appealing package. I suspect that the Carolina 13.5 Airalite will be very successful in the marketplace. It certainly deserves to be.

• Length: 13’7.5” / 4.14 m

• Width: 24.25” / 60 cm

• Weight: 51 lbs / 22 kg

• Manufacturer’s suggested price of Airalite with rudder: $2,499 Cdn / $1,749.99 US

• Airalite without rudder: $2,349 Cdn / $1,599.99 US

Perception, Inc. -111 Kayaker Way Easley, SC 29642 USA Phone: 800-59-KAYAK Fax: 864-859-2600 www.kayaker.com

© Alex Matthews is our Gear Editor and co-author of the award-winning instructional DVD “The Ultimate Guide to Sea Kayaking”. matthewsalex@hotmail.com.