Tribe 13.5 Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak

With seating for three, this is a great family kayak!

Perception's Tribe 13.5 Tandem Kayak is fun in light surf, but it's fast and maneuverable on flat water and lazy rivers as well. Plus, this tandem has a middle seat so you can also paddle it solo or bring along your small child, dog or cat (like that's going to happen). With a load capacity of 500 pounds (including paddlers, human or animal passengers and gear), you'll find plenty of excuses to carry everything you need to stay out all day. Built for the tracking and stability experienced kayakers expect, the Tribe is the perfect size for moving quickly across the lake. And if this is your first kayak, you'll find the learning curve to be quite short. Particularly if you're paired with an experienced paddler (one of the advantages of a tandem kayak).

Whether or not you are new to kayaking, why choose a sit-on-top over a sit-inside kayak? Options! It's easier to add accessories. You'll have a better view of the water (and potential obstacles) around you and it's also easier to get out and back in if you feel the need to wade. Since you'll be more open to the elements, expect to get wet. If the water's warm, wear clothing that dries quickly and protects you from the sun's damaging rays. If the water or air is cold, you'll want to wear gear that also provides extra warmth. Neoprene shoes or boots (sold separately) feel really good instead of cold, wet feet after a day out in the elements.

Hull Design

Perception's custom, high-grade polyethylene plastic and distinct rotational molding process provides exceptional strength and durability. With its seamless, one-piece construction, the Tribe is highly UV-, abrasion- and impact-resistant for years of trouble-free performance. The thickness is varied throughout the hull for extra strength when needed, but without additional weight. These kayaks are actually easily repaired, recyclable and manufactured with less waste than conventional roto-molding. A replaceable skid plate was even added in the stern for extra durability in this high-wear area. Whether you have a kayak rental fleet or just own several, the Tribe is also stackable for convenient storage.

Comfort

As part of the Comfort Seating System (CSS), two removable, adjustable, high-back padded seats are provided for all-day paddling support. An additional small, molded-in center seat allows for bringing a small child or pet on board. Molded-in footwells give plenty of choices for adjusting your position. You'll also find soft touch carry handles at the bow and stern and molded-in side handles for carrying your kayak down to the launch site or portaging around gnarly whitewater sections.

Storage

The small bow tankwell and larger, recessed stern tankwell with scupper holes both feature bungee cords to help secure gear on deck out of the way. In front of each seat there's a 6" diameter deck plate with a cat bag (a strange-sounding name for a bag that just holds your stuff so it doesn't roll around inside the hull). You'll also find scupper holes located near the seats so water that makes its way into the cockpit can easily drain back out.

If you don't already own them, you'll want to order kayak paddles and life jackets—adult, child and canine (all sold separately)—so you'll be ready to splash your kayak right away!

Construction

• Roto-molded polyethylene
• 33 3/4" width
• 13'5" length
• 67 pounds