08/18/2025
The PERFECT Pedal Kayak - After this Warranty Issue...
I purchased the Showdown this Spring when it was on sale at a fantastic discount! The kayak required minor assembly. You need to install the seat base, seat, and rudder.
The rudder is connected to the steering control via two cables. Then the rudder is attached to the bracket on the stern. My PROBLEM was that the rudder worked perfectly when assembled. BUT - the first time on the water, as I returned to shore, I raised the rudder and it completely disintegrated! The hub on which the rudder rotates fell apart, and the pieces were lost in the dark water.
The GOOD NEWS is that Perception/Confluence VERY PROMPTLY sent me a complete new hub assembly. It was then that I noticed that the hub pulley is assembled with two halves, connected by only a TINY 1/2" screw! When this tiny screw fell out, the hub fell apart.
I made a HUGE improvement to this design by reassembling the two halves with a tiny BOLT and LOCKNUT. Now it can never fall apart again!
Here is a written and visual description of this process: https://www.greatoutthere.online/post/fix-perception-showdown-kayak
Confluence provided fast delivery of the missing parts at no charge. I can't believe more owners haven't experienced this failure? This tiny screw isn't something that you would think to examine - if the rudder works, you just launch the boat!
Confluence was notified of this issue and agreed to examine this design for future models which share this rudder.
PS. I have since bent the retainer rod on the prop drive by running into a rock! I contacted Confluence to purchase this part - but they insisted on sending me the complete assembly ($70.00 value) for FREE!!
The company (Perception/Pelican) is going through some hard times, but I have been 110% satisfied with their customer service!
PPS. I have also since replaced the high seat base with a lower seat for better balance. I just completed a 50-mile river float (including miles of riffles, Class 1 and 2 rapids) and never wobbled! VERY stable on the water - and self-draining, unlike canoes or sit inside kayaks!!!
Central Wisconsin Kayaking & Canoeing Perception Kayaks
Kayak Fishing Freaks
The Perception Showdown is a stable pedal-drive fishing kayak. BUT - it is completely non-functional if a TINY screw falls out! Learn the EASY modification to prevent the rudder from falling OFF!
