Rambler 13.5 T

I Own 2 Perception Rambler 13.5 and love them. I adapted them to solo use by installing a framed seat from Jackson kayak in the middle. I bungee in a milk crate with 2 pole mounts directly behind the seat. I’ve spent many hours fishing in the salt estuaries near our home on the NC coast, including forays into the Intercoastal Water way in these yaks. They are excellent fishing platforms. The configuration of the hull tracks well even in cross wind and wakes from the motor boats. The roto-molded hulls are remarkably durable and have stood-up to the numerous oyster bars in our area. I would highly recommend this yak.

If you are a beginner, then this kayak would work for you... but if you want a kayak that goes straight and has comfortable seats / foot rest, then don't buy this kayak. Get the Tribe 13.5. This kayak is very durable (and heavy) and will last a long time... but it doesn't track well.

The Rambler 13.5 is extremely stable. I can stand up in the boat in calm waters while another person is paddling without an issue. The great stability makes it easy to get in and out of the Rambler 13.5 from the water. I have taken the Rambler 13.5 out on the Intracoastal Waterway, ocean bays, a large lake, and the open ocean.

While the Rambler 13.5 remains very stable in rougher waters, the wide flat bow prevents the kayak from cutting through the waves and instead crashes into each wave. This slows down the forward momentum. Therefore, I would not recommend this boat if speed is important to you. Although crashing through the waves will ensure a wet ride in rougher waters, the scupper holes do a great job draining the water out.

The Rambler 13.5 becomes less responsive when you weigh it down closer to its weight capacity but that is to be expected. I was able to pack three adults into the Rambler 13.5, which took the weight up to just under 500 pounds with gear. At that weight the Rambler 13.5 remained stable in a moderately rough ocean bay. However, you definitely have to work hard to control the Rambler 13.5 when you put that much weight on there. The Rambler 13.5 is not designed for three adults but it gave me a good idea of how far I could push the weight capacity.

The molded-in foot wells are a little small for my foot which can make it a little uncomfortable paddling barefoot so I generally wear sandals. My biggest qualm with the Rambler 13.5 is the weight of the kayak (78 pounds). I am unable to put this kayak on my car and carry the kayak to the launch site or storage area by myself. Even with another person helping, it can be a workout, but most tandems are big and heavy.

Overall I would say the Rambler 13.5 is a good tandem kayak if you are on a budget. I have great times getting out on the water and exploring with a friend.