This is my first Kayak and I did quite a bit of research before settling on the Carolina. I was looking for a boat that would take me on rivers, streams, and lakes (Lake Michigan), so far its exceeded my expectations. I tried out several different kayaks (Wilderness Systems Tsunami, Pungo, Dagger Alchemy) and this one was the perfect width for me and was not too enclosed, but not too open either.
I like the dry storage in the front and back, and there is plenty of room behind my seat and in front of me to put items that I would like accessible. So far the choppiest water I've been on is by the Hoan bridge on the Milwaukee river and it handed very well, it was only me that felt a bit unsure due to lack of experience.
I am thrilled with this purchase and look forward to many days paddling with my Caroline. The only reason for not giving a 10 is because it is a bit heavy and I have some problems transporting it, but I am figuring it out. Keep that in mind if you are a small individual.
I'm a tall 6'1" and 190 lbs and am very comfortable in this yak. I've had this boat for for 2 years and think the world of it. I use it mostly on rivers, large creeks and lakes. It's not as stable as some other boats I've paddled but haven't tipped over either. It tracks straight, but turning is still pretty easy (if you're having a hard time it's your technique) It's light weight at only 50 lbs. I've paddled an Old Town Dirigo, Perception Prodigy, Wilderness System Tarpon and by far like the Carolina the best.
I did much research before buying this boat and I'm thrilled with my decision. My only disappointment is with accessing the dry hatches while on the water, not so easy, but this was fixed by adding a deck dry bag and have no other complaints.
I am an amateur paddler and recently upgraded from an Inflatable whitewater boat to the Perception Carolina 12. An inflatable boat is a great starter and general all around boat, but I was ready for something with a little better tracking and handling.
I have paddled the Perception Carolina 12 a handful of times so far and I have been very impressed. I have been on the river as well as the lake. I primarily enjoy flat river water paddling and this boat suits my needs well. I am a big guy (5'9" 275 lbs) and this boat is what I call "big guy friendly". It has superior tracking and stability. I will say that it is very hard to turn, but it is a touring boat that is made to go straight. My most recent paddle was up river in high water and moderate winds and I had no problem getting it to go.
I bought this boat used after some research and reading reviews and I will say that it has lived up to what other people have said. I paid about half of the $1000 retail price and found a boat that was in great condition. Both dry hatches have stayed completely dry and they offer a decent amount of storage. The seat is pretty comfortable and is plenty wide enough for me. The back rest adjusts up and down and forward to rear. The cockpit is large enough to allow and easy in/out and even allowed enough room for my dog. The foot pegs are adjustable from the seats reach with a quick adjustment bar.
If you are looking for a boat that tracks well and has good stability, I would definitely recommend the Perception Carolina 12.
I purchased the Carolina 12 because I was looking for a boat that had storage for short trips, was short enough for easy transport, had a roomy cockpit and was reasonably fast. I paddled every 12' boat I could find (10-15 different models) and the Carolina 12 was the only boat that I felt achieved the compromises I wanted.
Basically, every other boat that was faster than my Prodigy 10 had such a tiny cockpit that my enjoyment of my time on the water would have been limited. I like to be able to have free access to cooler and camera, wiggle around, and hop in and out to swim and explore. I'd actually like this cockpit to be a bit larger, but I can live with it in return for the greater speed and fore and aft bulkheads. I've paddled 8-10 miles each of the last four days in conditions varying from calm to 2' powerboat wakes to 15 mph wind, and must say it has met my expectations well. I like the adjustability of the seat, but I'm not sure I've found the right spot and actually think the fixed Prodigy seat might have been more comfortable, but I'm sure a pad or something will resolve this problem if I can't find the right adjustment.
My top speed in the Carolina 12 is 5.2 mph, compared to 4.3 mph in the Prodigy 10. Those are sprint speeds that I couldn't possibly maintain for more than a few minutes, but the comfortable cruising speeds are comparable, about 3.8 vs 3.2 depending on wind and energy level.
Again, if you are looking for a rec boat that can easily handle short trips, and can't live with a tiny cockpit, then I think the Carolina 12 is the best choice!
I was looking for a boat that would be capable enough for coastal sea kayaking yet small enough for use on rivers and with enough dry storage for overnight camping. The perception Carolina 12 fit the bill perfectly. The boat was reworked for 2007, although most websites including perception show the older model. The boat now has front and rear hatches and more then adequate tie downs.
The seat was also completely changed. The Carolina 12 now sports the Zone multi adjust outfitting system. This means, that you get a fixed roto-molded padded seat with an adjustable backrest. The backrest is adjustable from a ratchet system on the side. The seat is the only downside to the boat. While it hasnt presented a problem yet I think the backrest just feels flimsy. Furthermore, when I bought the boat the backrest was missing a piece and the ratchet had been installed backwards. The Kittery Trading Post, where I bought the boat made an exchange. KTPs customer service is top notch.
The boat handles very well. It is stable yet quick. I have taken this boat from Esker Point in Connecticut to Fishers Island, NY and crossed the nearly two miles of open sound with ease. It even handled the boat wakes well. I have also used it to kayak camp overnight in the Boston Harbor, NP. The storage compartments are large enough for a overnight if you travel light.
I find the cockpit very comfortable. I chose these boat over similar models from Old Town, Wilderness Systems, and Liquid Logic, partly because of the open cockpit. The opening is not as large as on a recreational boat but big enough to give you room to move around. I also liked the fact that their was nothing between your legs around you to adjust you position a little more then on some other boats.
Overall I am very pleased with this boat and would recommend it to people of all abilities.