Perception dropped the ball in their marketing department. The Keowee II Backcountry was discontinued in 2000, and I was fortunate enough to have purchased one just before they disappeared. Although Perception targeted the fisherman for this product in their catalog, I ask how many serious angling folks ever had a chance to see this smart and tempting product in stores dedicated to the fishing/hunting sector? I have used the Backcountry model now for about two and a half years, primarily for river fishing. It is a quality product. As a fisherman I appreciate its stealthy unobtrusiveness in the low profile, muted color scheme, and nondisturbing presence on the water surface. This simply equates to catching older and larger fish which are very aware when a clunky boat is near. The extras such as a rudder, rod holders, and measuring tape are appreciated. The Keowee Backcountry also is far more comfortable to sit in than any canoe, is wonderfully stable, and has an outstanding carrying capacity when compared with its competitors. While made for two passengers, its weight has not prohibited my using it solo. All in all, it is a great product that I reret to see the demise of and leaves me continuing to ponder why outdoor sporting goods retailers are partitioned and self-limiting in their marketing approach. There is this belief that the outdoor oriented can be divided into mutually excluding typologies -the rural(hunt/camp/fish) and suburban(hike/climb/paddle) catagories. This is a erroneous classification scheme dedicated more to a simple market ideology, than to a complex empirical reality where peoples interests crossover, mix, and match. I think the Keowee II Backcountry was somewhat a victim of this mindset.

Customer Service

My customer service experience at Blue Ridge Outdoors - Winston-Salem was great.

Similar Products Used:

Various Old Town products.