Perception Conduit 13.0

Perception Conduit 13 is the kayak that seems to have it all: the speed, flexibility, stability, and low weight at an affordable price. Comfort is also one of the highlights of the boat. Regardless of your size and skill, let’s see what else this recreational kayak can offer on the water.

Size and Weight

With the length of 13′ (396 cm), the width of 26.5″ (67 cm), deck height of 12″ (30 cm), and weighing 51 lbs (23 kg), the Conduit 13 is quite portable and easy to manage.

Perception optimized the kayak’s weight and load distribution, making it ultra-light, yet capable of bearing a maximum load of 295 lbs (134 kg). This allows you to go on a weekend camping and paddling trip and not compromise on the gear you bring.

Materials

Perception makes their kayaks from a proprietary High-Density Polyethylene material using the company-specific, one-piece 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

Perception Conduit 13 comes with two toggle carrying handles at the front and rear.

The kayak features two bulkheads at the bow and stern, which allow efficient buoyancy, improved safety, and water-resistant storage areas.

The boat has two storage hatches. The bow hatch is round and with a smaller opening, while the dry hatch at the stern is oval and oversized. Both hatches are tightly sealed with neoprene lids and offer generous space for your gear and accessories.

In front and behind the cockpit, the kayak is outfitted with bungees that can serve as a paddle park and drink holder, as well for storing some on-hand gear. Even though it is a long kayak, it still provides the option of having easy-access locations for the things you need throughout the day secured from falling off into the water.

The cockpit itself can be considered mid-sized. However, looking at the model and its relatively narrow beam, the cockpit is spacious and very comfortable. With dimensions of (LxW): 38″x21″ (37×53 cm), it is very similar to Jackson Tupelo 12.5.

Adding to the comfort are adjustable footrests and leg protection pads.

The padded ergonomic Zone Seat features adjustable seat base and backrest. By trimming the seat fore and aft, and the backrest in all four directions, you can dial in your most comfortable position for paddling or resting.

Despite these seating adjustment options, there have been some complaints about the seat from people that used the kayak for more than two or three hours. Bringing an extra cushion and lumbar support pad can never be a wrong choice.

Another prime feature of the Perception Conduit 13 is that it comes rudder-ready out of the factory. You can easily install any steering system without having to drill into the hull. On the sides, the manufacturer provided the necessary indentations for the eyelets to guide and hold the rudder cables in position.

Performance

The sleek, arrow-shaped multi-chine hull, with sharp bow and stern, gives us an idea of how fast this kayak can be. Some kayakers measured a maximum speed of 5.3 mph on a calm river.

The Conduit offers great stability with its 26.5″ width, but more important is the low seating that keeps the paddlers centered. It is not too easy to capsize this kayak after you get used to its construction and behavior on the water. Getting used to the Conduit, or any other kayak for that matter, takes several hours, according to first-time paddlers.

Apart from the speed, most of the kayakers love the Conduit’s maneuverability. It is capable of turning in a sharp radius, and the kayak’s responsiveness is admirable. The optional rudder helps the kayak efficiently cruise rougher waters and stronger winds.

The Conduit 13 tracks remarkably well on flat or slow-moving rivers or lakes. This may change if you enter more choppy, open-lake water, but if the rudder is deployed, even rough waters will not be a problem.

Warranty

Perception kayaks are warranted against material or manufacturing defects in the hull and deck for 5 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.