Kayaking

Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot Review: Highly Stable Pedal Kayak

Photo: Perception Kayaks

What We Like

  • Super comfortable and spacious cockpit
  • Provides superior stability in the water
  • Includes a nice and comfortable seat
  • Durable overall construction
  • Plenty of storage space
  • Easily customizable design

What We Don’t Like

  • No waterproof storage
  • Provided instructions are not detailed enough
  • Overall it is quite heavy

Bottom Line

With the highly stable design of the Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot, it will be the perfect choice for kayakers of all abilities and is also perfect for fishing.

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Introduction

Fishing on a kayak is always more fun than using other vessels as you are closer to the water, and with the right skills and experience, there a greater chance of going home with fish. With a more stable pedal kayak model like Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot, things become even better for you.

Besides stability, this kayak is also made from heavy-duty materials for maximum durability. And it will also include an efficient driver system, plenty of storage space, and a super comfortable chair.

Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot Review

Build Quality: One of the Most Durable In Its Class

You will hardly get a kayak that is more durable than this one in its class. Hence, if you are looking for a model that will ensure you will not need to spend more money on a new kayak for many years to come, the Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot will be perfect.

This kayak is made from high-density polyethylene that is one of the toughest kayak materials out there. Also, this kayak has a one-piece molded design that will ensure it will be as sturdy as possible with no weak points.

The construction and choice of materials will ensure you get exceptional UV and abrasion resistance. This will ensure that besides being highly durable, this kayak will also not fade easily and will also be more resistant to cracking, peeling, and scratching.

For the hardware, the manufacturer uses stainless steel, which will not only make them more durable but also ensure they will be more resistant to corrosion and rust, and hence making the kayak ideal for both freshwater and saltwater.

Maneuverability: Simple One-Handed Operation

One of the things that make the pedal-drive kayaks special is that they are more easily maneuverable and often take less effort to control.

The pedal drive system makes it easy to propel the boat even in reverse without having to use your hands. Hence, both your hands are left free for your fishing rod and other things.

Also, this kayak will include a one-handed rudder control that will make sure that maneuvering the kayak will be even easier. And to make things even better, it will provide a 360-degree turning radius to allow you to change your direction without moving the kayak from the spot.

Stability: Highly Stable Even When Standing

Stability is another element that seems to give this kayak an edge. This 12-foot kayak provides superior stability that will allow anyone even beginner kayakers to handle it with ease and anglers can even fish while standing with no problem.

Its stability stems from the fact that at 33.75 inches wide, it is wider than many other kayaks, which gives it a broader base for increased stability on the water.

Also, the deck if just 16 inches high, which is high enough to keep you out of the water but still low enough to keep the center of gravity low for better kayak stability.

The built-in buoyancy also helps make this a more stable kayak that will be hard to tip over, and so kayaker can relax and enjoy the rides with no worries.

Design: Comes Ready to Fish

The Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot will come ready to fish, and so you will only need to grab your fishing gear and set out once you get it. The design includes 4 molded-in rod holders at the rear of the kayak to provide a secure place for your fishing rods.

Also, you can easily attach other fishing essentials on this kayak as it will include gear tracks that will make it easy to mount or attach other things that you need when fishing such as fish finder consoles without having to drill the kayak.

There is also a more spacious cockpit that will make it easy for the angler to get in and out of the kayak. And because this is a sit on top kayak , it will keep you further away from the water to ensure you remain dry.

To make sure that you get the most comfortable seating position, this kayak will also come with a nice captain's seat with zonal mesh to ensure maximum breathability, and it is also adjustable to allow you to get the most comfortable seating position.

Storage Compartment: Generous Storage Space

There is more than enough space on the Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot to ensure that you can carry everything that you will need for your kayak fishing trips.

One of the first things that many users will appreciate when it comes to storage is that this kayak will include both holders for the rods and mounts, which means you will not have to stress about where to keep the rods when rowing.

When it comes to the actual storage compartments, you will get spacious front and rear storage compartments for your fishing gear and other things like a cooler . There are also bungee lashings that will help hold down the gear securely.

There is also some additional storage space just under the seat and a water bottle holder for your drink. And to make things even better, this kayak can hold up to 475 pounds to allow you to carry a lot of gear without having to worry about its weight.

Transport: Heavier but Still Easy to Drag

At around 85 pounds, this kayak can be quite heavy, and many kayakers will dread having to lift it from the ground when they have to. However, the good news is that it will include several handles and grab lines to make sure you will have a secure place to grasp it.

The handles on the kayak are also strategically placed at the front and back to make it easier for two people to grab and move it. And they are also spacious and comfortable enough to ensure they will be gentile on the hand when moving the kayak.

With the replaceable skid plate at the bottom of this kayak, you will also get additional protection for the kayak when you have to drag it in an out of the water. What this skid plate means is that you will not have to worry about scratching or damaging the kayak’s bottom surface.

However, to make sure that this kayak will give you an easy time when it comes to transporting it, you will need to invest in a cart, and this is more so if you plan to use it often.

Pedal System: Efficient and Ultra-Quiet

Kayakers will love that this kayak will make use of a special pilot drive propeller system that will provide efficient and quiet propulsion to make it easy to move your kayak on the water.

This pedal system will even more the kayak in reverse and is designed to be super easy to use to ensure minimal fatigue for your legs even when you have to pedal for long distances.

To ensure you get exceptional service, this pedal system will also include some highly durable and non-slip pedals and premium quality components. And it is also removable for convenient storage and more effortless maintenance.

Price: Good Price Tag for a Pedal-Driven Kayak

Pedal-driven kayaks from top brands do not come cheap, hence given the price of the Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot, it is clear that it has been designed to be a perfect pick for the budget shoppers.

You will still need to spend over $1,500 to get this kayak regardless of which color you choose from the 6 options. But, the good news is that there is nothing more to buy once you have it as the paddle is also provided.

Verdict

Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot is a well-built kayak that is designed to offer superior stability and comes ready for fishing.

With an efficient and quieter driving system, this kayak will give you an easier time propelling in in the water. Also, it is designed to be more stable in the water and also easy to maneuver and made from a durable polyethylene material. And you can trust that there will be more than enough storage space for all your fishing gear.

Specs

  • Product Name: Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot
  • Product Brand: Perception Kayaks
  • Material: Polyethylene
  • Type: Sit on Top
  • Length: 12’ 5”
  • Width: 33.5”
  • Boat Weight: 85 pounds
  • Max Capacity: 475 pounds

Key Features

  • 475-pound capacity accommodates any kayaker and their gear
  • Spacious front and rear storage
  • 4 molded-in rod holders make it perfect for fishing
  • Drink holder helps prevent drink spilling
  • Captain’s mesh seat is super comfortable
  • Pilot drive pedal system is lightweight and removable
  • Spacious cockpit for easy entry and exit
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