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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

My wife & I just bought a Wilderness 145 Pamlico tandem kayak based on reviews we read. After 5 minutes of paddling we knew we had made a mistake. The kayak does not track at all!!! We had to compensate every few paddle strokes & this was in a calm lake.

If you let it glide it would turn in a circle. We have a 16.5 Perception & a 9.5 Mainstream that I use for fishing & neither of those track as badly as the 145 Pamlico. With the Perception we could paddle for several hours at an enjoyable pace & even the Mainstream that plows the water was acceptable but with the Wilderness we were tired & sore after 2 hours because we had to constantly fight the kayak. In open water under power it would veer either left or right & we would have to compensate for this & we could not hold a straight line. We have been kayaking for several years so we are not amateurs.
If you want to leisurely paddle along the shore 2 or 3 times a year it is fine but not for anyone that wants to enjoy kayaking as many times as they can get away. This kayak is WORK!!!

If I could return it to the store I bought it from I would, but after "use" I can not. Since I am stuck with it I am going to make a rudder hopefully to counteract the zigzagging we had to fight. I found the Wilderness rudder on line but it cost $200+. I am a machinist so I believe I can make it for a LOT less. Before you buy this tandem kayak TRY IT OUT!!!