Plastic Sea Kayak Review
Eclipse 16.0 (w/rudder)
Perception
Length: 16' 1"
Beam: 23"
Depth: 11"
Weight: 58 lbs
Price: $1,449
www.kayaker.com
Comfort: Perception and Dagger share the same parent company, Watermark, and thus you might notice some similarities between the two. This is true for the outfitting of this boat and the Dagger Exodus 16.8, also in this review. The Eclipse 16 features a gel seat, back-rest adjustment straps above each thigh brace, and adjustable thigh braces. I don't know that this particular gel seat is more or less comfortable than anything else, but it is different.
Handling: There wasn't so much as a leaf fluttering in the air when I was paddling the Eclipse 16. It was responsive to draws and sweeps. It turned well when edged, accelerated all right, and was very stable. There's not a lot of rocker on this boat, as the rounded vee hull extends into a long waterline.
Details: Bungee cords are installed fore and aft of the cockpit, and the perimeter deck line is reflective. The front and rear hatches have both neoprene and hard-shell covers, which didn't budge when the straps were tightened. Other aspects are recessed hardware, soft chines, and two bulkheads.
Bottom Line: The Eclipse 16 is the kayak that is going to do a little bit of everything and can help inspire some confidence for those who aren't necessarily looking for a Ferrari but don't want to paddle a Pinto either.
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