Are there special tips for maintaining a touring kayak?
With preventive and seasonal maintenance your Perception touring kayak will last through many seasons of hard use. Before heading out, look over all of the shock cord and static lines. If any are too loose or frayed, replace accordingly. Check to see that the footbraces adjust easily and aren’t jammed with sand. If they are, remove the pedals and use a small scrub brush and a garden hose to remove the grit. If you have a boat with a rudder or skeg, check to make sure that all the moving parts are not binding. Clean by scrubbing away grit and then by coating the parts with a silicone-based lubricant. A water-based UV protectant such as 303 will keep your boat shiny and safe from the sun.
