Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak
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This versatile tandem sit-on-top features a 3-seat configuration for up to 2 adults and a small child or pet. It's a great way for the family to explore lakes, ponds and slow-moving rivers.
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- High-density polyethylene construction offers performance and rugged durability at an affordable price
- Adjustable padded seats offer ventilation and drainage; molded-in footbraces fit any size paddler
- Kayak can be paddled solo from the molded seating area in the center
- Two 6 in. hatches with removable liners for small items
- Molded-in storage tank wells with bungees secure gear fore and aft
- Replaceable skid plate on the bottom of the hull increases durability and prolongs life of kayak
- Bow, stern and side carry handles ease transport to and from the water
Made in USA.
View all Perception Sit-On-Top KayaksBest Use | Flatwater Kayaking |
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Material(s) | Rotomolded polyethylene |
Length | 13 ft. 5 in. |
Width | 33.75 inches |
Seat Type | Padded / Foam |
Number of Paddlers | 2-person |
Paddle Included | No |
Hatch Capacity | Unavailable |
Weight Capacity (lbs) | 500 pounds |
Tracking System | None |
Weight | 67 pounds |
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Wish we purchased the kayak sooner
We purchased this kayak last month and have taken it out on Lake Washington almost every other day. We're really happy with it. Its easy to maneuver and great for kids and dogs. It's an incredibly approachable boat, we have a lot of friends who would usually avoid kayaking but were comfortable giving this one a try. It's something everyone can enjoy. The storage tank and all the bungees are convenient. The only downside is that the pouch in the dry tank ripped open not too long after a few uses. Its easy to sew back up but was a little disappointing it happened so quickly. Overall we're very happy with the purchase.
great kayak
bought one today and took my 11 year old out kayaking and it tracks really well. didnt take much effort at paddling at all. i have a 2015 scion xb and unloading it by myself was easy but loading it up is a little harder but would be easier for someone to load themselves if they are at least 6ft. its super lightweight for a tandem. i cant wait to take it out again.
This is a great kayak and a great value!
After doing a bunch of research, we knew we wanted a tandem sit on top kayak for our first kayak. One thing I hadn't given much thought to was the need for a center seat so that one person can comfortably use it if needed. This one has that. It doesn't have padding on it or a seat back, but it's still comfortable to use. Best of all, this is where our 80 pound Shepard can sit when we all go out together. He loves it and took right to kayaking with us. It's not too heavy for two people to move around fairly easily and the handles are are well placed. The construction feels solid and it's made in the USA. The color mix of our orange and yellow one is really cool too. The footholds and seats are very comfortable and the little dry storage compartments and cup holders in front of the seats are a really nice touch. We looked at kayaks that were hundreds of dollars more expensive but not nearly as nice. We also saw one at a big box store that was slightly less expensive but didn't have the same build quality or middle seat. We love this kayak! It's got great features for a really good price. Pro tip: Get the longest kayak paddles you can and at least 4 scupper plugs to plug the scuppers near the front seat. This will help you stay dryer on days where you'd rather not get too wet paddling. We are both about 5' 9" and opted for the 96" paddles. They're great. The 84" paddles were too small.
Money Well Spent
When looking to purchase a kayak I studied many reviews. The Perception Tribe rated high across the board. Since my purchase, we have been down Class 1,2,3. This kayak is everything plus more of the expectations I had.
Good kayak, but the "dry wells" aren't so dry
My wife and I were excited to finally get a tandem kayak to use with our children. The saleslady showed me all the features, showed me how to access the two dry wells and talked about Perception's great customer service. First time out on the water was great! It maneuvers well and held both of us well. The longer we kayaked, the more stable it felt in the river. However, getting out brought up a new challenge. It had gained considerable weight while in the water. Then we found out the dry well doesn't keep items dry - the bottom of the kayak had filled with water and as a result, ruined my phone. That's when we noticed there was a drain plug in the back and a big, black plastic piece held on by screws on the bottom. Looking at other reviews online on other sites, this appears to be a common complaint. It isn't something I saw on REI or on the company's website. It took on probably about 10-15 gallons of water in the 45 minutes we kayaked. I do wish I had known not to put items in the dry well. Please don't make that mistake. If you buy this kayak, buy a dry bag as well to keep items on. Other than ruining a phone and all the headache that comes with that, not a bad kayak!
Floats
I got this for my wife and I to paddle around the local lakes. After putting in a number of trips this summer I will say it is pretty much what I wanted it to be. It tracks well as you paddle even when I am by myself. Of course for a single paddler you need to put some weight up front or sit in the middle kiddy seat. It has a couple of smallish dry storage areas for small items like phones and such. There is plenty of room fore and aft for picnic baskets or gear for overnight adventures. You are going to want to get a cart to haul this around the parking lot to the lake. Even with two people it is a load to carry very far. The reason it did not get 5 stars is the carry handles. Such a nice boat and they come up with this gimmicky handle attached to bungy cords. Something more sturdy for such a heavy boat would have been nice. Also It will take a beating on the front if you run it up on shore at all. Scratches very easily. Would have been nice to but some kind of reinforcing there. I solved the problem by putting a couple layers of gorilla tape on. When they get torn up i just pull it of and apply new. Really help keep the boat scratch free on front.
Gets it done
Great kayak if you want a really sturdy one that can hold a lot of weight. My whole family (2 people and 2 dogs; one a 95 lb lab) fit on this kayak no problem. The only downside is that it is HEFTY because of this. All in all though, very happy with it. Steers super well for a boat of its girth and easy balancing.