Pamlico 145T

We really like our 145T. Very stable. We bought it used and we need an owners manual. Would appreciate any help.

I've own several brands over the years including some Necky models etc. The WS Pamlico Tandems offer the pinnacle of versatility, stability, comfort and tracking for a myriad of paddling conditions. I owned a Pamlico 135T which was a great kayak but as I grew to include more items and gear on my longer excursions, I needed just a bit more room. I recently purchased my second WS 145T and my 72 lb (rescue) Adventure Hound, my passenger and I, fit famously in this vessel. It's wider than average cockpit opening offers the easiest entry and loading of any boat in its class. It has excellent tracking with its 14.5 ft length, and rounder, wider hull...I opted for the Rudder system on this second Pamlico as it could help with steering for beginner paddlers. The comfortable, well padded and well ventilated seat covers are superior to any other boats I've paddled, especially on long days on the water. The versatility of moving the front seat back to mid ship easily accommodates the solo paddler while offering plenty of gear storage. The water proof storage hatch is quite roomy as well. This kayak is hands down, the best designed, best value in its class..if you're looking for a versatile kayak that you can paddle alone or with a friend and not compromise performance on the water...you need to seriously take a look at the WS Pamlico.

We bought our Wilderness 145T "slightly" used and have really enjoyed "the tub."

Pro's:
-> Tracks well
-> Fast for a plastic rec tandem (yeah, I know)
-> Great adjustable foot braces
-> Seats give good firm support

Con's:
-> Not fast to turn
-> High-ish profile for windy days

We've put 425+ lbs in big paddlers in and I can see putting another 75 lbs in to get to max capacity, but the cockpit would be inches out of the water at that point, so max possible is probably less than stated.

If you are looking for a tandem boat, then you most likely know what you're getting into. My wife and I rented one of these on the outerbanks of NC and loved it. We were in rather choppy water and it did fine. We loved it so much that we decided to buy one and used it for a year or two. We loaded this thing with two dogs, coolers, and food, and had fantastic days on the water.

As for the boat itself:
It's roomy, as it is a tandem. Lots of leg room, room for kids, dogs, etc.. It is heavy, but its a big boat. It tracks very well, but it's a tandem, so it is really up to both paddlers and not so much a boat design issue. The hatch does not provide watertight storage.

Understand that you are not going to win a race or speed down class II's in this boat. This is primarily for flat to small choppy water. Coastal rivers and sounds are ideal.

I give it a nine because it is well suited for what it is designed for

Very stable and secure ride. Works equally as well in both double and single positions. Super comfortable seat system. A little heavy and cumbersome out of water.

Tried this tandem yak yesterday with my son at one of the local rental places. We paddled for two hours/@4.5 miles...he got tired and I paddled the last 1.75 miles back to the launch.

The Phase 3 Air Pro Tandem Seating System... excellent. No sore back or rump... going to see if I can retrofit this into my solo yak. The cockpit is the same size as the Perception Prodigy II 14.5' that I have used before. The padded thigh braces were very comfortable... and the slide-lock foot braces were easy to adjust. All of these items in the cockpit allowed my 6'-2"/280 lb. frame to fit very comfortably in the rear cockpit without my feet touching the front seat.

Tracking... very good once my son and I got into sync. Cuts through the water very nicely. When the boy's "paddle got tired" (he's nine), Dad had him stow it so it wasn't dragging. Paddling this tandem solo was not that bad... with his weight forward I was not swinging back and forth like a shorter solo.

One negative is that it did seem to roll more than the Prodigy II 14.5. Twice, in no wake areas, I had a wave roll over the left rear quarter and into the cockpit. This did not happen with the Prodigy II in the same river... although to be fair... the river was wider where I was with the Perception tandem.

I like this yak... if we add a tandem to the family fleet... right now... I'd choose this one.

Love this yak. I use it as a tender on my yacht. When I'm moored at Catalina, I use it to get to shore and pull up on a nice sandy beach. I've taken it through some pretty gnarley swells and she handles just fine. I have no problems with tracking. Great tandem kayak that easily converts to one person. The deep design of the hull makes it great for ocean performance even in cold weather when you don't want to get wet.

I've had my Pam 145 for a bit over 7 years. I've mostly used it for 8 - 16 mile trips on the tidal rivers of the eastern Chesapeake Bay. It has been a good performer in this role with or without two people. My dock does not float so having a big open cockpit has helped in getting in and out at low tide. I don't have a rudder but have not had trouble keeping it straight enough. Unlike many, I usually ride in the back seat when solo without difficulty.

This past weekend I crossed the Chesapeake Bay (7.3 mile one way 8.6 back plus another three inland). Despite the 1 - 2' waves the boat never made me feel it was not capable. I did not use a rudder I did ballast the front a bit with a couple gallons of water and my gear (in case of overnight needs). It handled the trailing quartering wave well and never broached in the troughs. On the return leg most waves were near broadside again with no problem. Perhaps not the best craft for this purpose it nonetheless it performed very well. I would not recommend much higher waves but can't say I know the limit.

I love this boat and for back shallow water trips with a nap in the middle (very roomy) it can't be beat. Fun for the kids up front too.

I have been paddling for 25 years. I had a Waldon Paddler for 20 years and it served me well. I sold it when I moved. With my move settled I decided I wanted to get another boat but this time I wanted a tandem. Why a tandem? I wanted to introduce my girlfriend to the world of paddling and also get her son's out. Not having the room for 2 single kayaks plus with tandems today having the option to go from a tandem to a solo with the slide of the seat were three driving factors of why a tandem.

I went to several area shops and went on line to get all the information I could on tandem kayaks. I was disappointed to find that there was not a lot of information out there and what I did encounter was not that positive. I went to several shops that they wouldn't even sell me a tandem. "I tried one once with my wife and we almost got a divorce..." was one shop owners response.

The best advice I received was to try them out. I did and after trying several tandems out I went with the Wilderness Systems Pamlico 145T. I knew that I would be spending more time soloing than with a partner. With that in mind it was important to me that the boat perform well as a solo boat which it did.

It is a fast boat for its length. It tracks nicely and handles both flat choppy waters quite well. The majority of my paddling is done solo and the boat performs great. Its narrow hull makes soloing easier than some of the other tandems I tried that were wider. My only complaint is that the foot pegs do not adjust as easily as I would like but I find that I don't even need them. The seats are comfortable and I really like the adjustable back support. Its a nice feature. As a tandem it is supper quick. and glides across the water effortlessly.

The key to remember with a tandem kayak is team work especially with a loved one or someone who has never paddled before. Let that front person dictate the tempo of the stroke. Enjoy the time spent with them on the water and work together.

I have paddled big lakes and reservoirs to small ponds and even rivers. The boat handled each type of water very well. All and all I am very pleased with my Wilderness Systems Pamlico 145T.

Just purchased this 'yak and have only been on water ~3 hours with it on a pretty calm lake, so this is based on a single experience so far... Took my daughter out with me; I'm 220, she's only about 80 lbs. I bought the boat for a combination of tandem paddling with my daughter and some solo paddling.

After an hour of paddling tandem I was ready to take it back. As others have noted, tracking is difficult (no rudder) and it's a little cramped for 2 compared to other sit-on-top tandems I've used. If the front paddler remains in a neutral position, I found it relatively easy to keep straight, but if the front paddler tends to lean on the stroke that seems to have a big effect.

After taking it out for a solo turn, I changed my mind completely. Every kayak is a balance of compromises. This one is a very nice recreational solo boat that can also take a second (smaller) person. It is a much different boat when solo'd - comfortable, fast, pretty nimble for a longer boat. I am quite happy with this tradeoff, but others who are looking for something to use primarily as a tandem may not be.

I wish I had read the recent reviews before I purchased my 145T. It will not go straight. I've used it three times - twice tandem and once solo. It doesn't matter; our kayak naturally tracked to the left. I was going to purchase a 135T but the sales rep (a friend of mine) said the 145T is so much better - being narrower, longer, and 5 lbs lighter than the 135T it would move through the water more efficiently. Not so. This kayak would be perfect if I was on a NASCAR track. So now I'm going to check the reviews on this site for other tandem kayaks before I make my next purchase. I'm 5' 11", 225 lbs and an advanced beginner/intermediate kayaker. My wife is a little over 110 lbs & is a beginner. I don't know if someone with better skills could handle this kayak any better; but I would not recommend this kayak to anyone.

I've spoken with the store manager and he is wondering if this particular kayak that I bought might have a hull defect. He wants me to bring the kayak back to the store so he/his staff can check on that possibility. Defect or not, he has agreed to take the kayak back and help me select a kayak that my wife and I will enjoy.

I recently purchased an older Pamlico 145T at an estate sale and have benefited from quite a few of the comments on this site. Let me say that I entirely agree with the observation that 400 lbs is taxing the boat. However, as a tandem with myself (195 lbs) and my daughter (90 lbs), the kayak is both stable and swift. When she paddles the kayak as a single, it almost flies across the water. The reason for my lower than '10' rating is simply that it seems more fun to kayak your own boat rather than a tandem. And I much prefer the scenery of a nice lake or river as opposed to viewing the back of my tandem companion. That being said, the boat is a good purchase for an adult plus light weight partner or used as a single.

I have been kayaking for years and own 5 kayaks myself. I have a friend who bought a 145t and wanted me to go with her and try the boat out. We put the boat in a lake and started out across the lake. The boat was not as stable as I thought it should be and this boat tracts poorly. The rudder was not much help either. I was in fear of my safety when my friend shifted her weight and just about tipped us over in the middle of the lake. It is a boat that I would not buy.

Very fast for its size; handles nicely as a solo or double as long as you're two light adults or a child is in front. Two 200 lbs plus paddlers will not feel stable at all. I owned this yak for over a year mainly for fishing at sea - this is not what it was built for. Capsizing it means you'll probably won't be able to empty it and climb back on. Keep very close to shore and always have your PFD on you! It gets an 8 overall due to it's performance and comfort but a 5 in safety.

I want to update my last review of the Wilderness Pamlico Tandem 145. I have read and reread the other reviews and can't believe we bought the same kayak! Everyone says how it tracks so well, but my wife and I had to fight it constantly to keep it going straight. As I stated in my first review, I am a machinist and was going to make a rudder for the kayak. I made a prototype out of thin wood which is fixed and is not steerable. I took the kayak out by myself and was amazed at the difference in handling. I could paddle easily in a straight line or turn and it would straighten up by itself. I have since made a rudder out of aluminum but will have to tweak it because of it's rigidity. I would like to know if other people bought their boats with rudders or not? The cost of a rudder is $200+ and dealing with all the cables looks awkward at best. As a "plus" the seats are very comfortable and the weight is easy to handle by oneself. I would welcome comments by other owners of the 145 Tandem.
Thanks, Joeb

Have been paddling for about 2 years. The 145T is my first purchase. It is proving to be near perfect for my needs, which is flatwater recreational and fitness paddling. My wife loves to go with me as well, so the tandem capability is great. I like the idea of giving her a wine glass instead of a paddle!!!! The boat glides well even with only onw paddler. I may buy another one for friends/guests to our lake house.

My husband and I tried our new Pamlico 145T on the slow Suwanne River near Manatee Springs. The initial stability was outstanding; comfortable seats--second to none. We paddled from Manatee Springs out onto the Suwanee without a hitch. The boat paddled smoothly with surprising speed. Durable, beautiful, sleek, and fast--this one's a keeper. I would've given 10 of 10 for a rating, but there was one caveat: We had hoped to bring our granddaughter alone with us one day, but we realized with this first trip that there was absolutely no room for her 3-year old little body to fit. The salesman ordered a jump seat, but we have no idea where it would fit: We had enough room to paddle comfortably, but the rear seat does not adjust (and there are no footpegs for the rear seat, either). Once I adjusted the front seat all the way foreward, it still wasn't enough room for her to sit in front of me--the foreward paddler--unless I adjusted my stroke to accomodate someone in front of me. We're disappointed, but we won't return it fabulously sexy trandem kayak.

Make no mistake that this is a well made, very nice boat. However, my wife and I just bought one and are ready to take it back. Construction isn't the issue, but rather stability and weight capacity. I would be careful about this boat if your combined weight is over 425 lbs. It becomes very tippy and the tracking gets worse.

I have owned a rotomolded (plastic) Pamlico 145T since Christmas of 2003. Until now I haven't felt the need to submit a review, since the ones already posted cover the pluses and minuses of this boat well. But last weekend, during a paddling course, I learned a couple of things that I'd like to pass on.

Prior to last weekend, I had done all my paddling, both tandem and solo, on flat water - slow moving south Louisiana bayous, and in marsh ponds - where the boat (with rudder) works extremely well. But last weekend's course was on a nearby river with a variety of water conditions, from wide, slow stretches to areas full of fast moving water around hazards (fallen/sunken/floating trees and large rock formations), and even an area of small class I rapids.

The first thing I learned was that the rudder is pretty useless when navigating a narrow, winding, quick course, or when trying to back- or forward ferry from side to side across the current. You're better off pulling the rudder up and using just your paddle and leaning into the turns.

The second, and most important, thing I learned is to use _two_ flotation bags, one in the bow and one in the stern, if you are on fast moving and/or hazardous water. The first day out (trying to avoid the instructor, who was bravely - or stupidly - standing on the edge of a narrow right-angle cut we were supposed to navigate), I got caught in a strainer, and the cockpit _instantly_ filled with water. The hull (but, fortunately, not I) was totally submerged and wedged between a fallen tree and a boulder broadside to fast moving water, and it took four grown men to pull it out. I was using just the one standard flotation bag in the stern, and it was not enough to keep the hull afloat when the water rushed in. (The good news is that this is one tough boat. After we pulled it out, nothing was broken, and, other than a small scratch on the hull, you couldn't tell that anything had happened.)

The next day, I put a second flotation bag in the bow. My first time over the rapids, I flipped the boat (my fault, not the boat's), and the bow dived under the water, just as it had done the day before at the strainer. But because of the added flotation, the bow popped right back up. There was still a lot of water in the cockpit, though not as much as before, since the front float bag reduced the cockpit's volume, and the combination of the additional flotation and reduced cockpit volume kept the boat afloat.

So...Enjoy this great, versatile boat, but don't think the rudder is a substitute for paddling skill, and carry extra flotation when it's called for.

I purchased kayak with the intention of using it primarily as a tandem. I have a seven year old son who likes to paddle with me. The Pamlico is everything it is advertised to be, stable, tracks well and is faster than I expected. It paddles well solo or tandem, with a seven year old I spend most of the time paddling the kayak myself, he tires easily. The only complaint I have is this kayak is only good for very calm conditions. The large cockpit is not good for ocean paddling; it takes on too much water. Last week my son and I capsized in a protected bay, the boat quickly filled with water and it was near impossible to get the boat upright without filling the cockpit with water. I have been using this kayak for over a year and have been paddling for 5 years. I do have adequate experience on the water. This was a very enlightening experience. I should have known this could be a problem. I guess what I am saying is if you are planning to use this for other than lake or very smooth conditions, you might want to consider something else. After a couple of hours of paddling if you were to capsize, the boat is extremely difficult to upright and re-enter, you would be surprised how much water can get into the cockpit. Although I really enjoy this boat, I have decided to sell it and will be purchasing a sit-on-top today. I would recommend this boat for two experienced adults, but not for an adult and a child.

After extensive research, I decided to purchase a Pamlico 145. I took it out earlier today (solo)for the first time. I could not be any happier. The seats are excellent. The foot braces perfect. And, the ride is swift, stable and fast. I dont think I could ask for more.

Great recreational boat for the family. Bought after a few years of having a sit-on and wanted to extend my kayaking into the cooler weather. Tracks well and fairly maneuverable. Use it mainly around the rivers, streams and bays of Jersey. Stable and fun with me(6'2", 200lbs) and one child. Haven't tried the solo thing yet but nice to know it's there when I want it. Good value for less than $600 (used). Great adjustable seats! Easy to car top. (65 lbs)

I am 6'1" and 230lbs, I bought the 145 tandem after reading reviews here and am glad I did. I wanted sonmething I could paddle alone or with one of my kids on the Connecticut river and lakes in small shallow coves and feeder rivers. At first I regretted not getting a rudder but now that I have used it for a few weeks and have gained both experience and streagnth I don't miss the rudder very much. I can car top by myself wich is good because I use it as a fittness boat during the week on the way home from work. It racks good with one paddler and better with two. It is very stable and extremely comfortable. I have even used it with my 5' 11" 160lb wife and and we were both very comfortable. I would buy it again knowing what I know now.

I've been using my Pamlico in the Potomac River (above great falls) and the Chesapeake Bay. I fish off of it, as well as take extended day trips. I would call this boat more a sleak canoe than a kayak. It is huge and roomy, but small enough for extended trips. It handles quite well for it's size. It's very easy to manuver. It tracks well in calm water, but in current or wind, tracking is non existent. I would absolutely recomend the rudder system if you expect to do any light touring.

Due to the open cockpit, it's not very sea worthy. I wouldn't recomend taking it in surf over 2-3 feet. Taking a wave head on will fill the cockpit instantly. I did manage to surf a few waves to shore, which I didn't expect was possible on such a large boat. The boat is incredibly stable. I can stand in it without a problem, and manuver to the front or back of the boat to access gear without the fear of tipping. It is relatively light. I don't have a problem getting it onto the car, but I have a strong build (5' 6", 200lbs), so some may find it a bit of a pain handling it alone.

I think this is a great first kayak. It's stability will instill confidence in beginners. You have the option of one or two people, It's roomy enough for hauling lots of gear, and you can fish off it. After using it for a year, I have found that I most often take extended solo day trips. I am averaging 6-10 miles a day on the river. I will be purchasing a Cape Horn 17 for next season, which will most likely become my main boat, but the Pamlico will be nice to have around for guests, etc.

My wife and I rented a Pamlico for the weekend for use in the Pamlico Sound around Bath, NC. It did not perform well in the body of water for which it's named. A rudder would probably have helped. Also, the lack of a rudder can create marital problems when paddling tandem. Boat also accentuated the fact we need to loose weight. This boat may be fine for flat water, lakes, creeks and slow rivers, but it was a bit scary in the sound. If purchasing, perhaps consider the longer Pamlico Excel with rudder. I did find it very steady, but tracked poorly. After paddling a real touring sea kayak, it's hard to go back to a recreational boat. Seats were great, though. And, I liked the piece of mind of the built in floatation.

This is my first kayak and not exactly what I was looking for when I went shopping. I was looking for a boat to take to the beach and use in the ocean on calm days, to fish ponds and lakes, and paddle on flat rivers. I wanted a sit on top, but after paddling this boat, decided it met my needs admirably. It paddles easily, tracks well, and has lots of room for stuff(like tackle boxes and coolers). The seats are comfortable for realitively long periods of time. Though I use it mostly alone, my kids fit comfortably in the front seat (which moves to center to paddle alone), and the boat has great primary and secondary stability. I do not think it will work well in the ocean without a spray skirt, the cockpit is VERY LARGE. This is a great boat for beginners, and has lots of uses. Now if I can just get my wife to paddle...

Much of what has been said about Pamlico I would agree with. It is a very stable and comfortable ride. I got the sand color (think that is its name..anything but the purple) so I could fish out of it, etc. I do agree with one comment that front seat foot pegs would help. I don't have the rudder (would like to buy the accessory one) but haven't really needed it. Goes on the roof easily and the toggles make it an easy two person carry. One person carry is not as easy, but not as bad as some if you ride it on your hip. I bought a kayak cart that helps a lot. Have had it on Lake Pontchartrain in NO but not on heavy wind days and it tracks well and doesn't take on water. I use it as a supply and rescue boat for teenagers ww'ing (on what passes for that here) and it actually handles smaller rapids if you are careful because it doesn't lean and turn like a canoe would.

The Pamlico is my first kayak, and I have been quite pleased with it. I also bought it with the thoughts that my Wife would join me sometimes, but she has only been once. I might have bought a solo yak if I had known that, however the pamlico has served me and my dog well. We are able to fish spots that are not traversable by bass boats. I am also able to sit almost on top of a strike zone and not disturb the fish. I have found it most enjoyable when backing against a sand bar or small island and casting into the flats for small pan fish. I can see all of the action unfold in front of me. I have paddled rivers and lakes in Tennessee, Alabama, and I look forward to paddling the Chattahoochie and Suanee this year.

As a new kayaker two years ago, I chose the the Pamlico tandem kayak as our first kayak. Since that time, the Pamlico has been an exceptional kayak.

+ Handles two medium-large size people. + Rudder system works well . + With additional full skirt, Pamlico goes from calm river to the open waters of Lake Michigan with no problem. + Handles well in tandem or solo trek. + Easy access for both seats. + Comfortable and adjustable seats. + Spacious storage room.. + Great universal kayak. + Light enough to be handled/lifted by one person

- Rear kayaker may find some discomfort if they have long legs as distance between front and rear seats with rudder control is not long enough. - In Solo position, rudder system control cables catch or drag on solo seat. More annoying then anything else. - No foot pegs for front kayaker in tandem ride.