prowler 13 angler question

     The prowler 13 angler is the model with foot wells and the 6" center hatch. I was wondering about removing the center hatch plastic bag. Will the entire interior of the hull then be accessible?
      It's selling for $200 dollars less than the Trident angler model with rod pod.($700.00 dollars at West Marine).

    Any other thoughts or suggestions on one vs the other would be appreciated.

Your better off calling West Marine to verify it. I've seen some Prowler 13's with a solid (built in) bucket in the center hatch instead of a bag.

Yeah, I thought most of the newer P13s had the permanent molded hatch...which means you can't access the interior of the boat. I do not like that feature. I'd much rather have the open hatch that provides access to the hull...and you can just drop-in one of those mesh CAT bags or a SunnyD bottle etc for storage...

casey - just an FYI, if your a heavy guy like me (240 pounds of sexy ) you may want to stay away from getting a center hatch. The hatch on the original prowlers tend to be right on the water line once you get a heavy paddler on deck. The only way to combat this = plug the footwell scupper holes. Just remember to unplug 'em if your doing  surf launching and landing. If too much water collects on there, your kayak will be top heavy and unsafe.

Yes you can remove the bag, or cut the hard plastic cup if you want.  I have seen P13's with both.  On the hard cup, Ocean Kayak recommends cutting down the side 1/2" to 1" to maintain the strength.  This lets you access the interior for installations/transducers/ect.  

I left my cup in place, as I like keeping my camera and snacks there.  I dont like my gear sliding down around in the kayak.  You can buy after market waterproof bags that you can sandwich under the hatch ring.  That way you can access for installing hardware, and put the bag in to keep your gear organized.

The center hatch will be too small for most rods if that is your intention.  You can strap your rods down the footwell sides for surf launching.

I like my P13.  It paddles well, handles the ocean fine, and I can lift it by myself.  A longer kayak would be nice for long paddles, but this one works well in the lakes, rivers and ocean.  Jack of all trades but master of none, if you know what I mean.  Just a well rounded boat.  I use mine for diving and fishing.  They make a great dive platform.  Much nicer than a boogie board or tube, as you can get out of the water to take breaks and have a snack or drink.  I keep a rod in the front hatch while diving, and can access it on the water for a quick lingcod drop.

Matt

or a SunnyD bottle etc for storage...

Is that whats in my T140 hatch?? 

Hi Casey:

      Eric (yakhopper) of FisherMans Wharehouse has good deals on P13.
I would like one myself but, the Tax Man took my Yak Money!
                                                                                 Sea-ya
                                                                                 Ernie

 What I was hoping to do is, put a couple of linked together trays for  tackle that I could slide back and forth( something like small cut down dish pans), a hand pump , and  a drift chute.

The p13 is a great all around boat, but I'd consider the T13 as well unless that $200 is deal breaker.  The rod pod and sonar shield are great features, especially if you plan on lots of surf launches.  One nasty surf roll and you can easily bust-up or lose several hundred bucks in fishfinders, rods, reels and gear. The rod pod and front hatch access are also great for storage if you plan to do any overnight camping.  Just a few things to consider.  Good luck.

Casey7,
The Prowler 13 is a great boat and I would have no problems recomending it to anyone. The center hatch does come with a "cup" which is part of the hull and as discribed above can be cut out and replaced with a removable bag (I don't recomend this for paddlers over 220 as the hatch would be at or below the waterline and these hatches are famous for leaks). If you are a smaller paddler like my son I would prefer to replace the original hatch with a toggle hatch as the threads are always hard to operate on the factory hatch.
Also if the boat you are looking at is for $599.99 than that would be a good price and that is what I am selling the last one I have for.

I agree with the water entering the hatch.  I get a little water in the bottom of mine.  Alot of water enters while actually accessing it, due to drips and splashes.  I don't trust it for 100% waterproofness, just ease of access.  I still put items in waterproof cases, ziplocks and drybags for the hatch.

Matt

I bought a P13 Angler last year and it does have a hard plastic cup center hatch that leaks. At first it was a few drops but now it's like about a handfull (seriously) worth of water. I'm not a big dude at all 6' 185# and that damn thing still leaks. Waterproofing anything that goes in there is a must. I would know the count is 2 cell phones and one still very salty wallet. I've stopped storing anything I need or use in there because it's pointless when it's not dry storage. I have thought about cutting out the bottom of the cup but the problem to me is the hatch/leak so maybe a different hatch like a Hobie 8"?

I love the boat overall. Light, easily turned and a good amount of storage. Stability is great and it handles very well fully loaded in the surf. The boat is very sensitive to how the gear is loaded (I prefer more weight in the nose) and doesn't like heavy loads meaning it paddles like crap if you love gear. I have no problem accessing the front hatch OTW or getting to the back of the tankwell. Another thing if you are planning on carrying it much change the back handle to a more rearward postion. It will save your thigh.    

-Tim

Yeah, my experience is that those OK screw-in hatch lids are leaky. And god forbid you ever get sand in the threads and leave it closed for a month...good luck unscrewing it lol.
It sounds like you m/b able to replace those lids w/a toggle hatch like yakhopper recommended.

My P13 came from the factory with a toggle hatch.  I got it almost 3 years ago.  Matt

Yeah, my experience is that those OK screw-in hatch lids are leaky. And god forbid you ever get sand in the threads and leave it closed for a month...good luck unscrewing it lol.

Agreed, those hatches were the worse But they came with the older models and not the "next generation" ones.