Perception Access 9.5

The Perception Access 9.5 and Access 11.5 are the two kayaks designed to provide exceptional tracking, sporty paddling and fun. The variety of factory-integrated features in the Access 9.5 serve recreational paddlers and kayak anglers alike, at an affordable price. This is a great general-purpose boat.

Size and Weight

This reasonably small, kid-friendly kayak is 9′ (274 cm) long, 31″ (79 cm) wide, and 19.5″ (49.5 cm) high. The proportions make it highly portable and easy to store and carry. It weighs only 42 lbs so it is easy to cartop. Sturdy molded handles serve as secure attachment points for transportation.

The maximum load of 250 lbs (113 kg) means that this kayak is designed for small to average size paddlers that don’t bring a lot of gear with them.

Materials

Perception makes their kayaks from a proprietary High-Density Polyethylene material using rotational molding technology. The process involves pouring beads of polyethylene into the mold, which gets heated up and slowly rotated so that the material fills up every nook and cranny. After the mold cools down, you get a one-piece, leak-proof construction that is extremely rugged and durable.

Features

The Access 9.5 comes with two molded carrying handles at the bow and stern, as well as two molded-in grip handles on the sides of the cockpit.

It includes one shallow tank well in the front and a second, more sizeable one in the rear. Here you can stow a crate or a cooler. Both storage compartments are secured with bungees and are great for stowing your gear. Remember to put your water-sensitive items in dry bags.

The generous-sized deck has two molded grooves for your rods. It includes a molded center console with two recesses where you can install different flush-mount bases from Scotty, RAM, or any brand you prefer. The console also integrates a molded-in cup holder.

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The Access 9.5 comes with molded footrests that offer five positions in which you can place your feet for the best leg comfort. However, you may want to occasionally stretch because numbness is the difference between adjustable footpegs and molded footwells.

In many cases, the contoured high-back molded ergonomic seat is the main reason why people buy the Access 9.5. Perception integrated a molded, foam-padded seat with padded back support that allows relaxed paddling for a couple of hours. Even though the kayak deserves praise for its performance and other features, it also earns criticism for the seat. Taking an extra cushion for the base and a lumbar support pad will provide better comfort for longer trips.

Behind the seat, the kayak features two molded-in angled rod holders. They are shallow and hardly useful for most rod types.

Lastly, the keel is protected with a replaceable skid plate.

Performance

Performance-wise, Access 9.5 is an agile kayak that allows the paddler to have complete control over the vessel. Its superb balance and pronounced keel provide smooth steering and sporty paddling without much effort.

Because of the short length and quite a broad beam, this kayak is neither fast nor very maneuverable, but it tracks pretty well. It is a fun recreational boat that can support an occasional fishing trip.

Warranty

Perception kayaks are warranted against material or manufacturing defects in the hull and deck for five years from the date of the original purchase of the kayak. Parts, accessories, and outfitting are warranted for one year.

To learn more about Perception Kayaks’ warranty terms and conditions, click here.