If you don’t have a lot of time and just want to get the gist of this article, here’s the summary:
In a nutshell, the Prowler 13T Angler seems well-suited to the regular, solo coastal fisherman. Its durable build and features like the adjustable seat, storage options, and Sonar Shield cover make it well-equipped for long trips and a variety of gear. The 13 ft. hull offers a good balance between speed, stability, and maneuverability, especially in light surf.
However, it may not be a great fit for everyone. It’s a single-seater, so it’s not for those who prefer company or shared paddling. At 56 pounds, it’s not the lightest option, and may not be ideal for those who prioritize portability. Also, while it offers a place to mount a fish finder, the device isn’t included. Its lack of tracking system and size could also be issues for some folks.
I’d also like to note that while the linear polyethylene construction is durable, it may not offer the performance or sleekness of higher-end kayaks made from composite materials. Finally, it’s primarily designed for flatwater, so those who kayak in rough waters might want to look elsewhere.
Remember, this is just my take based on its specs and features. Always consider your own needs and preferences.
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Ocean Kayak Prowler 13T Angler Sit-On-Top Kayak Review: Who is it for?
I’ve been looking at the Prowler 13T Angler from Ocean Kayak and trying to figure out who it’s best suited for. I haven’t had the chance to take it out onto the water myself, but based on its feature-set and technical specs, I can make a few deductions.
One thing that stands out is the kayak’s durable linear polyethylene construction. This suggests it’s made for the long haul, so I think it’s ideal for those who plan regular fishing trips and need a kayak that can withstand repeated use. The molded-in graphics add a touch of personality, but more importantly, the design seems easy to maintain.
The 13 ft. hull strikes a balance between speed, stability, and maneuverability. It’s especially adept in light, breaking surf. This leads me to believe that the Prowler 13T Angler is well-suited for coastal fishermen who need a kayak capable of handling various sea conditions.
It’s great for those long fishing trips too, courtesy of the adjustable, padded foam seat. I think anyone planning to spend hours on the water searching for the big one would appreciate this comfort feature. The large cockpit area with adjustable footbraces and molded-in foot wells adds to the paddling comfort, which I think is an important factor to consider for all kayakers, regardless of their experience level.
Storage seems to be a major focus for this kayak. The 17.25 x 10.5 in. center hatch, the rod pod storage area, and the aft tank well are all designed to keep your gear safe and accessible. This tells me the Prowler 13T Angler is a good fit for fishermen who like to be well-prepared and carry extra gear, fishing rods, live bait wells, and tackle boxes.
A unique feature is the Sonar Shield cover, which offers a protected area to mount and store a fish finder. This suggests to me that this kayak might be for the more serious or tech-savvy fishermen who make use of such devices. But remember, the fish finder isn’t included with this kayak.
At 56 pounds, the Prowler 13T Angler isn’t the lightest kayak out there, but it can handle a respectable weight capacity of 425 – 475 pounds. This suggests it’s aimed at solo fishermen who may be carrying a lot of gear or a hefty catch.
Lastly, the fact that it’s made in the USA might appeal to those who prefer to support domestic products.
So, in my opinion, the Prowler 13T Angler from Ocean Kayak is best suited for solo, coastal fishermen who use a variety of gear and are planning regular, long fishing trips. But remember, this is just my take on it based on the features and specs. Always consider your own needs and preferences when choosing a kayak.
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13T Angler Sit-On-Top Kayak Review: Who isn’t it for?
Now, let’s delve into the factors that might make the Prowler 13T Angler not the best fit for certain individuals.
Firstly, I’d like to point out that the kayak is a single-seater. So, if you’re someone who enjoys company or is looking for a tandem kayak to share the paddling load, this might not be the ideal choice. The solo nature of this kayak means you’ll have to handle all the paddling and fishing alone.
Moreover, the weight of the kayak stands at 56 pounds. Consider that it’s not the lightest kayak on the market. If you’re someone who prefers a more lightweight, easily transportable option, or if you have to carry it long distances to your fishing spot, it could prove to be a bit too heavy. It’s definitely not the best choice for those who prioritize portability.
In terms of tech, while this kayak does offer a Sonar Shield cover for mounting a fish finder, the fish finder itself is not included. If you’re someone who doesn’t already own a fish finder or isn’t planning to invest in one, this feature could be seen as unnecessary.
Another point to consider is that the kayak lacks a tracking system. While the Prowler 13T Angler is designed to be stable and maneuverable, if you’re someone who is concerned about precise tracking or plans to venture into challenging waters, the absence of a tracking system might be a drawback.
The kayak’s length also stands at 13 ft. 6 in. While this contributes to its speed and stability, if you’re someone who doesn’t have enough storage space for a kayak of this size, or if you’re planning to transport it frequently in a small vehicle, this size could present a challenge.
From a material standpoint, the kayak is constructed from linear polyethylene. This undoubtedly makes it durable, but it also means that it may not offer the same level of performance or sleekness as some higher-end kayaks made from composite materials. So, if you’re an expert kayaker or a racing enthusiast looking for top-tier performance, this might not be the ideal pick.
Lastly, the Prowler 13T is primarily designed for flatwater kayaking. If your primary kayaking area is anything but flatwater, like choppy seas or fast-moving rivers, this might not be the best kayak for you.
To sum it up, I think the Prowler 13T Angler might not be the best for those who prefer tandem kayaking, prioritize lightweight and portability, don’t plan to use a fish finder, require a tracking system, lack storage or transport space for a larger kayak, seek a high-performance material, or routinely kayak in rough waters. As always, these are just my thoughts based on the technical specs and features. It’s important to assess your personal requirements before making a decision.
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13T Angler Sit-On-Top Kayak Review: Conclusion
In a nutshell, the Prowler 13T Angler seems well-suited to the regular, solo coastal fisherman. Its durable build and features like the adjustable seat, storage options, and Sonar Shield cover make it well-equipped for long trips and a variety of gear. The 13 ft. hull offers a good balance between speed, stability, and maneuverability, especially in light surf.
However, it may not be a great fit for everyone. It’s a single-seater, so it’s not for those who prefer company or shared paddling. At 56 pounds, it’s not the lightest option, and may not be ideal for those who prioritize portability. Also, while it offers a place to mount a fish finder, the device isn’t included. Its lack of tracking system and size could also be issues for some folks.
I’d also like to note that while the linear polyethylene construction is durable, it may not offer the performance or sleekness of higher-end kayaks made from composite materials. Finally, it’s primarily designed for flatwater, so those who kayak in rough waters might want to look elsewhere.
Remember, this is just my take based on its specs and features. Always consider your own needs and preferences.