It’s that time again…gear highlight. I’m going to talk about one of my favorite pieces of gear, my Perception Swifty 9.5. Its beautiful and I saved up for a long time to get it. I even paid extra for the matching paddle. If I was going to spend that kind of money, it was going to be for something pretty that I loved.
According to Perception, the Swifty is a recreational and fishing kayak that’s made for lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and calm coastal environments.
“Perfect for new paddlers and seasoned ‘yakers alike, the Swifty is a fast, fun and versatile sit-inside kayak. A stable hull and excellent tracking keeps you on the straight and narrow when you set out on the open waters without sacrificing quick maneuverability. Molded-in rod holders and a 10” hatch make the Swifty perfect for fishing as well. The Swifty is sold exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods.”
https://www.perceptionkayaks.com/us/swifty
I have the 9.5 model and it is just under 10 feet in length, 28.5 inches wide, 44 pounds in weight, and holds up to 325 pounds.
The website also boasts that this kayak is:
- Easy to paddle design for all skill levels
- Quick maneuverability and good tracking
- Stable hull design
- Spacious cockpit for easy entry & exit
- High seatback & cushion for ergonomic support
- Adjustable foot braces accommodate paddlers of different sizes
- Easy access dashboard with cupholder and small gear storage
- Molded-in fishing rod holders
- Oval storage hatch to keep gear dry
- Deck rigging for additional storage
- Drain plug
- Paddle park
- Front & rear handles for easy transport
Likes
There isn’t much that I don’t like about this. I bought it because it fit what I was looking for.
Among my favorites are that it is a sit-in kayak and has an adjustable seatback, it’s spacious cockpit and ample leg room (because I am a bigger person in general), and the storage space. I haven’t used it for fishing, but the rod holders look like they’d fit just about any type of pole.
It also glides through the water with ease and doesn’t take much effort for me to get myself cruising.
Dislikes
As I said above, this boat weighs 44 pounds. That is a bit much for me to transport on my own. I do have help sometimes and wheels to get it from the house to the car, so that takes off some of the load. Also, I can slide it up and down my car, but I have scratched my roof up pretty bad.
Price
While I don’t see this boat available anymore on Dick’s Sporting Goods website, I can tell you that with freight shipping to my door I paid around $1800 if memory serves. Shipping alone was a little over $600. There are definitely cheaper (and more expensive) models out there, so you’ll have to find something that works for you and your budget.
Other thoughts
If you are needing to transport on the roof of your vehicle you will need a roof rack. I have a universal roof rack that comes with padding, straps, and S hooks to tie it all down. If you already have a roof rack this can work, however, there are so many options for you to choose from.
I am trying to get my hands on an EZ rack. I’ve talked about them before on my Gear page and have one on my Throne page linked below if you’d like to check it out or donate to the cause.
If you’d like to hear about a specific piece of my gear, shout it out and I’ll get it done.
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And as always…be safe out there! REMEMBER YOUR MAPS AND PASSPORT STAMPS!! Seeyalaterbye <3
Also, if you feel called to help a sista out with her travels, check this out!
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