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Perception Airalite Eclipse 17’ sea kayak - trade - $550 (Harmony , R.I.)
boat type:
kayak/canoe/SUP
propulsion type:
human
condition:
excellent
engine hours (total):
length overall (LOA):
17
make / manufacturer:
Perception
model name / number:
Eclipse airalite
year manufactured:
2005
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CASH ONLY - OR barter-trade (see below).
No Phone Number - No Response
Price is FIRM - don’t bother asking; will block your number.
INCLUDES a cockpit cover; nothing else.
HULL : Perception developed the AIRALITE hull, a layer of acrylic over ABS plastic, to achieve stiffness and withstand harsh conditions. Airalite is more rigid than rotomolded plastic and is as rigid and light, but more abrasion resistant than fiberglass. ABS has been used for many years in white water kayaks and canoes, often under the trade name of Royalex. But unlike fiberglass, carbon or kevlar, you can hit a rock and it will not crack or splinter; it may indent but is able to be popped out when warmed.
So not all plastic kayak materials are the same. The common rotomolded inexpensive ones from big box stores tend to flex, do not have reliably water tight bulkheads, (if they even have bulkheads), and are not as safe or handle as well as the more rigid kayaks with bulkheads. Even Perception sells a cheaper rotomolded Eclipse model but it is NOT the same as this, their Airalite model. The last picture of the collapsed yellow kayak shows how much a cheaper rotomolded one can flex in high heat.
This kayak has a rudder system and two water-tight bulkheads with hatches for storage, flotation and rigidity.
WEIGHT : The manufacturer decal inside states that this kayak weighs 51-54 pounds in Airalite, which is the weight of any fiberglass or plastic kayak 17’ long with hatches, bulkheads and a rudder system; some similarly equipped kayaks can weigh up to 60 pounds. You may notice that some of the carbon or kevlar kayaks with bulkheads and hatches that give their weight here on CL state 49lbs.
If you need a much lighter kayak, then you would have to be looking at a carbon, kevlar or skin over frame kayak without bulkheads/hatches and for a lot more money.
CONDITION : This has spent its life in a garage when not being used; the gel coat is shiny and unblemished. The bottom is not scraped beyond minimal.
This is an excellent condition and well equipped kayak for not much money. It handles heavy seas and rolls well; the rudder really helps in strong winds and currents.
I’m only selling this because I am an upper seventies senior, I am all done overnight kayak camping, no longer venture onto the open ocean and am willing to forego the safety and storage of bulkheads/hatches/rudder to be in a lighter boat. So I use a bare bones, 30lb. carbon kayak without bulkheads and rely on air bags for flotation and never kayak alone.
CAPSIZING : If you are not capable of rolling and you capsize, it is much safer to have a kayak with solid waterproof bulkheads that will stay afloat and lessen the amount of water sloshing around inside your flooded kayak.
TRY THIS SKILL DRILL : try overturning and flooding your kayak some time - be sure to have another kayaker nearby to assist in emptying the water from your kayak and helping you to re-enter yours. It’s not always up to you when your kayak goes over.
Or just learn to roll at will.
FIT : the cockpit under deck height is 13” tall and the large cockpit opening is 33” long X 18” wide.
It’s probably best for medium to extra large paddlers. Fits me very well with men’s size 11 shoes and 32” pants inseam with enough room to bend the legs sufficiently for the all important, well braced triangle of feet, knees and butt. I wear medium waist pants, weigh 170lb. and know it could take someone larger or smaller. The pictured, original equipment seat padding is quite comfortable. My 5’ 3” wife has used it. It has adjustable foot pegs.
If you like how this kayak fits you on our lawn, you are welcome to try it on a local pond.
BARTER/TRADES : Would consider a trade/barter, (plus or minus cash) SPECIFICALLY for : 1) a 150cc or larger on or off-road major brand motorcycle or ATV OR 2) a higher end acoustic guitar, OR 3) 3 point hitch category 1 tractor attachments, OR 4) a major brand e-bike mountain bike , all terrain bike (ATB) OR 5) a high end 56-58cm titanium, carbon or steel frame road bicycle. (Not aluminum), OR 6) antique or modern hunting or target items that go bang.
Please be very specific in describing what you have and the value you give to it. If vague, I will assume a scam.
TO CONTACT : If you would like a response, please text or email only and using a complete sentence, SPECIFICALLY mention the words : Perception Airalite Eclipse 17’ kayak. I am also listing another 17’ kayak, so please be that specific. Also include your usable 10 digit phone number.
BUT…….
If you are not sure that you even want a kayak, don’t have the purchase price or you need to get permission from a 3rd party, then please, do not contact me. Instead, you will be better off renting a few times and attending some kayak dealer’s demo days to see what fits you best. If you have the patience to wait, dealers usually discount their demo / rental fleet at the end of the season in the Fall.
Thanks for reading and understanding all of the above.