Perception Crank 10.0

Perception Crank 10 combines innovative design with great performance. Not many 10-foot kayaks have a pedal drive and 350 lbs capacity.

Size and Weight

Unlike most pedal propelled fishing kayaks, the Crank is only 10′ (304 cm) long. It weighs 87 lbs (40kg) with the pedal pod, has a beamwidth of 35″ (89 cm) and 12.5″ (30 cm) deck profile. However, if you empty the storage compartments and remove the pedal pod, the kayak weighs only 78 lbs (35 kg), making it a compact, easily portable boat you can store and transport without any problems.

RELATED: 15 Best Pedal Kayaks for 2021: Reviewed and Rated + Buying Guide

The Crank 10 withstands some serious loading. Maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs (159 kg) for a recreational kayak is pretty remarkable, especially when we take into account the boat’s compact size. In comparison to other pedal-driven kayaks, such as the Jackson Bite FD, the value-for-money with the overall performance of the Crank 10 is worth consideration.

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

The Perception Crank 10 is a feature-rich kayak that allows unlimited custom rigging and modification.

The kayak comes with two flush-mounted but sturdy carrying handles and two molded-in side grips and a walkable, flat deck.

As we start from the bow, the open storage tankwell is secured with bungees and includes a recess where you can install a 6″ or 8″ deck plate. The transducer scupper leads to a molded “pocket” at the bottom that fits a fish finder and keeps it protected from colliding with rocks or debris in the water.

The roomy cockpit integrates the Pilot Pedal Drive Unit that sits lower than most of the other pedal pods. With its 18″ draft and 14″ prop, it is easy to deploy and pull up. The drive offers silent but efficient propulsion and high rigidity. The Crank “borrows” the pedal pod from the Perception Pescador Pilot 12, which means that the 10-footer is being propelled with a force and technology intended for a 12.5 footer.

The seating area features a lawn-style chair with multiple back support adjustments as well as fore/aft trimming options. By releasing and tightening the wingnut, you can position the chair into any of the molded grooves to dial in your body with the pedal pod or for casting lines. If you feel like fly fishing, you can altogether remove the seat and enjoy the freedom of movement and extreme stability of the Crank 10.

On the left-side gunnel, there’s the round, rudder control comfortable grip knob, and several molded trays for putting small items like hooks and bait. Perception provides molded-in channels for draining the water that may build-up in the trays.

On the right-hand side is the molded cup holder and the rudder deploy/retract lines concealed under the deck for allowing clean and snag-free surface.

Behind the seat, Perception integrated two Solo Mount inserts where you can install custom accessories.

Further back is the oversized tankwell that fits a cooler or crate and a backpack. It includes bungee cords for securing your gear and an angled 6″ deck plate for stowing your personal items like a cellphone or keys.

Finally, at the stern are the rudder kit and replaceable skid plate on the keel.

Performance

The Perception Crank 10 is an excellent performer in all water types except for open ocean surf and rapids that rank higher than class II. Its prominent tracking keel (especially pronounced at the bow) helps with tracking and maintaining a full-body contact with the water. The broad shoulders provide incredible stability for stand-up fishing and on-deck movement.

The Crank 10 displays excellent maneuverability with its short length and responsive rudder. In case of finding yourself in some whitewater sections, paddling is also an option. Either way, the Crank handles the water well and is very safe kayak to be in.

In terms of speed, as we previously mentioned, the pedal drive unit gives a powerful force to the kayak making it very fast and fun on the water. With the rudder deployed, not even winds can stop you from covering long distances.

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.