I agree with ShermanPeabody…
…I have the same general inclination away from Perception. I think you are asking a series of very nice questions here, untilifndanewswmn, and you have gotten good replies since your queries are so specific. Now when you mention speed, I have to chime in again with the idea of Prijon. These blow molded rather than rotomolded (like Necky and Perception) boats have the best plastic available by far, and are made splendidly. The finish work is, in my opinion, better than the models you mention. There is less cut plastic edges on the Prijons than other boats. The Capri is very fast at your price range. I have Capri and Calabria, and although the latter has more storage, I think the Capri is likely just as fast if not faster at only 42 lbs. Check the weights of the ones you are considering, are they 42 lbs? Maybe they are. Like most buyers, you’ll likely decide on models that you can see and feel at the showrooms of your local dealer. And you are super smart to have posted and learned about the Pungo. Ugh!
when do ya have time to practice…
medicine…you’re one of the most prolific posters here…
C-boy : ) Funny.
Me post little, search for "sing" under author in past week and see that I am a mere two-finger novice in comparison.
I was at a local outdoor store today checking out boats for kicks, and I studied the Perceptions, all of them (the plastic ones). Carolina, others, even a Necky or two. As I suspected, they are not as well finished, if you will, as the Prijons. For instance, Prijons have a finishing separate black strip around the coaming, the others are simply molded. The seat on the Perceptions is like a one piece molded deal that is literally like a turn in slung off the inner hull. Prijon has a separate seat that is fully adjustable, removable, etc. The thigh rests in Perception are similar, just molded lips on the yak; Prijon has separate finished pieces that are adjustable (wrench is behind the seat neatly stored). And the Prijon plastic is so far superior it is really not even close in that regard. Difference between German made I suppose. Anyhow, off the soapbox. I tend again to agree with SP above. Okay, I gotta get off here now since I have health care to deliver now. : )
PS If you look at a thread on here now by renato, Prijon Touryak versus Kodiak, you will see his posted comment #4 on thread about how poor the plastic is on his current --I believe Perception-- versus the new Prijon he is ordering. The p-net reviews also say it all.
In this neck of the woods…
The Carolina is one of the most sought after used boats in their price range, so that might tell you something.
I have been looking for a used one for my son-in-law for a year now.
There have been a couple on the P-net ads, but they are always too far away.
Cheers,
jackL
Doesn’t Matter What I Post
has any use whatsoever to anyone. I am just enthralled by the sound of my keyboard clicking…
ClickityClickClick, ClickityClickClick, ClickityClickClick,
I am in message board heaven. 
sing
Dryness…
You asked about the difference in “dryness” between the boats.
Wouldn’t dryness be at the mercy of the choice of spray decks (and for that matter your level of experience)? What would be different between the boats in regards to “dryness…?”
If you are getting a lot of water in your kayak, I wouldn’t be upset with the manufacturer unless you missed that hole in it before you bought it.
Just stick with the basics when it comes to research in buying. The more you dote over what everyone says in your endless search for help and answers, the later you get out on the water.
Good luck, and for what it is worth I have found nothing wrong with my Manitou. I am about your size and have had nothing but a blast everytime I have taken it out! Saltwater, freshwater, wind and waves… this boat is capable of a lot for it’s size and (relatively) reasonable price tag.
Get a boat, go out and PADDLE!!!
See that you are in Galveston, pretty
much a warm water environment from March to November, then never really cold…maybe 50 degree water temp. If you are using it to fish the bays, and also want to surf the boat, you may be better off with a SOT. The SOT will allow you to get on and off in shallow waters on the flats easily so that you can wade for the tailing redfish. It’ll certainly meet your needs for surfing, slow rivers, and lake cruising, though maybe slower than a sit-in on flat water. The best place to ask questions about which SOT in the Texas Gulf Coast area is texaskayakfishing.com. They’re the experts in SOT’s for the Galveston Bay complex, as well as for fishing beyond the breakers.
I have owned a Perception Carolina
for 6 years (first model) and my experience has been that is a VERY stable boat and gives you a lot of confidence on the water. I paddle coastal,lakes and rivers. In my case the draw backs are: 1) the back hatch is very small,2) the seat is unconfortable, and 3)the plastic is too soft, every time I transport it on the top of my Subaru it oilcans, therefore I have to put two 2 x 4 on each side of the hull to distribute the weight and stop the oilcanning. Please note that I have the 1999 model I do not know if the new models have been improved. As mentioned by Cooldoctor 1, I am now planning to get a Prijon Touryak which as I have found out, have the best plastic in the industry. You could see a review of this model in the October 2005 Sea Kayaker magazine and also on this web. I hope my experience with the Carolina help you to decide and weight the pros and cons. By the way despite my problems I consider the Carolina a keeper.
Good luck with your search. Renato
1st model
just a note. the first model no longer exists as it was. it has been redesigned and is a completley different boat from the material to the hull. the change didnt come until 2004 i think so your model is no longer a carolina
manitou vs carolina
Have tried the manitou and agree with above posts but have also tried the santa cruze and like it even better. Friends of mine love it. Has more rocker and an upturned bow, for turning and for waves. Has a bit more beam, for more stability. Seat is average but easy to add-on. Cockpit is large for easy entry but a sprayskirt is made for it. Just my 2 cents.
Manitou…or…
Of the 2 kayaks, I’d go for the Manitou.
Also, you could check out the Riot Stealth or Riot Voyager at www.riotkayaks.com
The Manitou series are nice little kayaks though, they did a good job with them and seem to be of much higher quality than the Wilderness systems or Perception kayaks now.
Cheers…Joe O’