Perception Sound 10.5

Regardless of whether you’re a kayaking novice or an enthusiastic paddler, Perception Sound 10.5 is always a bargain. Enjoy fishing and recreational paddling if you like exploring small lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and calm inshore water. The Sound 10.5 is the bigger brother of the popular Perception Sound 9.5. It is suitable for heavier yakkers and is capable of carrying more gear as well.

Size and Weight

Perception Sound 10.5 was designed to be lightweight while providing the capacity for larger paddlers and their gear.

Being 10’6″ (320 cm) long, 29.5″ (75 cm) wide, and having 15.75″ (40 cm) deck height, this kayak isn’t too big for easy storage and transportation. It fits most standard truck beds and roof racks. With its weight of only 46 lbs (21 kg), most people can easily lift and portage this boat.

The kayak can carry 335 lbs (152 kg) of weight. With such capacity, the Sound nearly matches up kayaks longer than 12′ such as the Perception JoyRide 12. Still, it is advisable not to load the kayak with more than 80 percent of the total loading limit to get the best performance. An overloaded kayak can become slow and unstable.

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 Sound 10.5 comes with only two molded handles at the bow and stern because Perception integrated high technology to manufacture the boat exceptionally lightweight and portable.

Lacking bungee rigging in the front, where you can normally put some gear or park the paddle, is compensated with a handy cockpit dashboard. You can stow your drink or small necessities and secure them with the bungee. Additionally, the platform includes two recesses for Scotty Mount Bases and two molded fits for 1.5″ Solo Mount Bases. Such factory rigging allows the installation of a GoPro camera, swivel rod holders, a fish finder, navigation, you name it.

The spacious cockpit with the dimensions of (LxW) 40.6″x21.75″ (103×55 cm) allows comfortable entry and exit. It features adjustable footrests, leg protection pads, a drink holder, and molded under-seat trays where you can put your phone or keys.

The ergonomic Zone Seat features thick padding and offers somewhat of a comfort for a few hours of paddling. However, the seat base could use some extra cushioning if you plan on spending more time on the water.

The backrest is ergonomic and adjustable for height and angle, but if you are experiencing back problems, you will appreciate an additional lumbar support pad. The padding is covered with quick-dry material, which adds to the overall seating quality of the Sound 10.5.

Likewise, the cockpit rim is spray skirt ready.

Performance

Perception specifically designed the Sound 10.5 to show its performance abilities in flat waters such as calm lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, streams, and sheltered bays.

The kayak’s remarkable stability comes from the tri-keel, so-called “stabilizing” hull design, enabling the paddler to enjoy catching fish without worrying about tipping over. The low center of gravity not only helps with keeping a good balance but also allows better paddling experience and enhanced handling of the boat.

The 28-inch beam isn’t too wide for the total length of the kayak. This allows better responsiveness from the craft. The main difference between the Sound 10.5 and its smaller sibling, the Perception Sound 9.5, is the tracking and speed. This almost 11-footer tracks pretty well.

Every paddle stroke counts when it comes to speed. Unlike Sound 9.5, the length to width ratio of the Sound 10.5 favors faster and more efficient paddling making the kayak not only feature-rich and stable but speedy as well.

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.