REVIEW Perception Showdown Pedal Kayak | WARNING: Mandatory REPAIR!!!

Описание: This video shows the Perception Showdown on the water - BOTH paddling and pedaling!

The Showdown is a very stable fishing platform. But I can give it ONLY 4-stars because the rudder FELL OFF the first time on the water!

The rudder is assembled but not attached to the kayak when you purchase it. It only takes a few minutes to connect the pivot and attach the lines to the steering handle. Then test the lines which connect to the raise and lower hub.

My first time on the water, the pedal drive performed perfectly. In my estimation, pedaling is FOUR times more efficient than paddling!!! (Of course, you need to carry paddle for emergencies - take my word on it!)

After a few hours on the water, I headed back to my truck. As I approached the shore, I raised the rudder - and the rudder fell apart! The hub that the rudder rotates on fell apart and all the pieces were lost in the dark water.

There are two lines that run inside the hull - one to raise and one to lower the rudder over pulley-discs on either side of the rudder. These discs and the rudder rotate on a hollow plastic axle.

I submitted a warranty claim with Perception/Confluence. About 2 weeks later I received notification that the parts had been shipped.

Upon receipt, my assessment was confirmed. The axle consists of two pieces that enter from opposite sides. The design FLAW is that these two halves are only held together by a tiny (1/2-inch) sheet metal screw that threads into the plastic hub.

I don't know if this screw was loose or if it worked free when I raised the rudder. Anyone who installs the rudder will check that it works - and there is no reason to suspect that the tiny screw inside the hub is going to be a problem. If/when this screw falls out, you loose ALL steering. I hope you aren't miles from the landing!

I quickly determined that a through-bolt would be a vast improvement in this design. I drilled out the receiving side of the hub and inserted an 8/32 bolt, 2 washers and a locknut. This will NEVER separate again.

Perception needs to make this a permanent change in the design and assembly of the rudder. EVERYONE who has the Showdown needs to replace the screw with a 50-cent bolt and nut before this same failure happens to them - somewhere on the water!

After the repair, everything works perfectly. Literally BETTER than new!

This video also shows that I replaced the raised plastic base and adjustable seat with a fixed seat. This dramatically lowers the center of gravity - which is a huge plus when you are paddling or pedaling in stiff wind. It also shaves a few pounds off the total weight.

Subscribe for the follow-up series, including my multi-day fishing and camping trip on the Wisconsin River in the Showdown kayak! See more details at the GreatOutThere.online blog.