Handles and tracks well. Truly an all purpose comfortable boat.

I bought this kayak at the Kayak Corral in Seline, MI back in 2008, they are no longer open, but a search for a replacement seat brought me here and I thought I'd share my take on the kayak. As mentioned, it's durable, stable, good looking and provides lots of storage space. It's also heavy at 55 lbs (I see the latest model claims 49 lbs?), and the seat isn't comfortable for me. I bought a used kayak off of craigslist that is also 12 ft long, but it's only 35 lbs and has a hard plastic seat shaped like your butt that is MUCH more comfortable than the thin gel padding that came in the original Carolina 12. I see the new seats have more generous padding, though, so now I'm tempted to replace mine with a new Carolina 12 seat. Because the cheap Walden kayak I bought off craiglist is lighter, more comfortable, and did I mention it's faster?, that's the one I take most of the time. You really need two kayaks, though, and a way to schlep them to the water.

This is my second Carolina and a downsize due to (my) age but keeps a life of 68 cruising along.

I love the lighter weight of this kayak. Upgraded from a expression 11.5. Storage compartment covers are tight to get on. But hoping with use they will become easier. A few very minor scuffs to the hull during shipment and a broken button tack for padding are my current complaints. I do wish they came with rudder pre installed for better tracking.

So happy with this purchase! The Perception Carolina 12 is lightweight enough for my 5'0" frame to lift, maneuvers well in the water, and is a good crossover/hybrid option. I can tell it was manufactured with care and that it's a quality kayak. There is also ample storage, and the seat was very comfortable. It's perfect for the Minnesota and Wisconsin lakes and Mississippi River sloughs that I live near.