Scrambler XT Results...how does a Prowler 13 compare?

  Well took the scrambler XT out on Lake Briton for a test run.  I caught well over 80 crappie and a few trout, and spent some time practicing and familiarizing myself with the the kayak.  I found the kayak very stable, and was able to move around the boat, access the hatch and rear cargo easily, and fish with my feet over the side of the boat.  I did feel the boat was a little sluggish and took some effort to paddle much of a distance.  I tried my wifes Fenzy and felt it was a much faster boat.  I was able to put my daughter on the front of the Scrambler though, and let her catch a mess of crappie.  The boat was so stable, i had no fear of her falling overboard (in full PDF of course).

Now the bad news, i found quite a bit of water in the kayak after each day of fishing.  I brought it home and did a leak test.  I found water leaking through several air bubble holes at the base of the scuppers.  I will have to return the kayak and try out another one.  I am a little upset as I like this kayak.

Now my question, I loved the kayak fishing so much, i am toying with the idea of taking advantage of the return and upgrading to a Prowler 13?  Is the speed and ease of paddling much of a difference between these two boats?  I would like to be able to cover a little more water with less effort, but am courious if the extra cost between the boats would give that much of a difference.  I would also hate to give up any stability, and I notice the shape of the prowler would make it more difficult to take my daughter along.  There really isn't a place for her to sit on the Prowler.  Maybe it is just a little buyers remorse, but I see alot of folks using the Prowler 13's and not many using the Scramblers XT's.  I do want to be able to dive off the kayak, and read that the Scrambler is the better option for a dive platform.

I don't have the opportunity to test out the diffrent kayaks, so any advise would be appreciated.  My wife wants me to stick with the scrambler due to the cost, safety and ease of use.  The prowler looks like a much sleaker boat and the past reviews talk highly of it.....hmmmmm

Thanks, Matt

Hey Matt:

First, bummer about the scupper seam leakage.  Your retailer should exchange NQA.

You pretty much nailed it on the differences between these two models regarding  advantages and disadvantages.  I think it really depends on how and where you will most be using the yak..

P13 is faster, has more glide per stroke, better storage in TW as well as inside and will handle tougher water conditions (for Bay and Ocean fishing). Still  a very stable boat especially after you've been paddling it for a while. It's designed for solo use, but you could probably fit the kid in the tankwell but she'd be behind you.  Really a good fishing, and I'd say secodarily 'decent' for touring, packing overnight trips etc.

The Scrambler is a bit more stable, and more versitile in terms  of use for diving platform, taking the kid, etc.  Small hatch and less storage , more of a "fun boat" design.  A Malibu 2 XL (tandem) could serve all these purposes for you, and have an extra passenger seat as well!

Hope this helps, and if you are like most of us here, I predict you will end up with more than one boat LOL!!

In the meantime, I guess it's a matter of determining where your priority is.

good luck!

Allen

Hey Matt 

I have a Prowler 13, Scrambler XT and a few others. Oh how the madness will get to you . The P13 and SXT are excellent kayaks. It's unfortunate the Scrambler XT you have is defective . But, that can happen with anything. Like Allen said, should be no problem exchanging.

IMO for solo use and fishing I would suggest the P13. That would be just for you. However, it sounds to me that the scrambler XT works better for you and your family now. Priorities . I would hang on to the Scrambler XT and use it for diving, fishing and having your child in with you, priceless . Don't underestimate the Scrambler XT. This is a very good all around kayak that does paddle well. Think about purchasing the P13 in the future. Once the madness really sets in you will probably do this anyway . 

Good Luck
Ben

PS - Listen to your wife

  Good advice, thanks guys.  I think you are right Ben, where I am right now the Scrambler will work best.  I don't have any distances I have to cover that quickly, and being able to take the daughter is great.  She sits well on the front hatch cover and loves it.  She is much better in the kayak than in our old canoe.

I will use this kayak for diving and fishing for now, and later get a prowler; unless something better comes out.

I called my sister in-law at West Marine and told her of the scupper problem.  She is going to take care of it for me.  Things happen, I am not going to let it turn me off of this kayak.  i actually could fix it pretty easily with some goop, but it is new so I figure an exchange would be better.  She has an older one in stock, but it has some sun fading from being displayed.  I will try to have her order me a new one.

I still have a large learning curve ahead of me with the kayak.  I ordered "The Kayak Fishing DVD" by Spike and "The Complete Kayak Fisherman".  Should be some good instructinal material.  i will likely add some side handles to the kayak to ease lifting, but will keep the deck pretty clean for diving.  I might add a removable accessory bar for a cheap fish finder,GPS and a rod holder.

I will have to try to make it to a tournament some day.  I have enjoyed reading the past posts, looks like a great bunch of folks on here.

A quick question, how does the speed of the Prowler compare to the speed of the Scrambler XT?  I wish I had take a GPS with me on its maiden voyage, but think I was getting around 3-4 mph on short power bursts.  Cruising was probably 1.5-2 mph.

Matt

In a kayak, speed is relative to the amount of effort produced. The Prowler will go much faster than the Scrambler when producing the same amount of effort. And it will continue to glide across the water long after the Scrambler has discontinued its forward motion.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: a 1986 Toyota Celica and a 2008 Corvette can both go 80MPH. However, the guy in the Celica is flooring it while the guy in the Corvette is just cruising.
Same principle applies to kayaks: a very strong paddler can exert enough force to make a Scrambler go as fast as a Prowler. However, if the same amount of force was applied to both kayaks, the Prowler would go much faster.


Sounds like you have already put some intelligent thought into this decision. Like distance you plan to paddle. If you aren't going very far, then the Scrambler is fine. I have experience w/the old Scramlbers and they paddle well. My only gripe was the lack of secondary stability; once the kayak reaches its tipping point, there is no recovery and it will flip. This might not be an issue w/the newer hull design of the XTs.
And definitely install some carrying-handles on the side. Makes it waay easier to lug around!
Good luck!
PK

It sounds like a Scrambler XT will suit you well, Matt.  I haven't paddled a Prowler, but the XT was my primary boat for years, and it can handle plenty of different situations - rough water, diving, wind, big fish...  Now it's my "buddy boat" that I can loan out to a fishing partner or other members of my family can use it.  Good luck and have fun!

Eric

Hmmm, the plot thickens.  I called this morning to start the return on the scrambler xt.  They can order me a new scrambler but offered me a Prowler 13 fishing model they have at the warehouse for 600 dollars!  That is only a little more than the scrambler XT I bought, and I think it is too good of a deal to pass up. 

I have to let them know by 6:00 PM, and think I will take the plunge.  If this deal had not developed, I would have stuck with the Scrambler XT; but how can I pass up 300 dollars below suggested retail on the Prowler 13?  I think I would be silly to pass it up.  It will cost me about 150 dollars more than the Scrambler.

Oh the decisions the decisions.....I will let you know what I end up doing, but I will likely get the Prowler 13 and add a small seat to the back when i take my daughter.  Matt

Take the P-13 and don't look back!

Well I did it, my Prowler 13 should be in on Thurday; and I will make the exchange.  I am going to have to put something back into the wife bank for this.  She said go ahead, although I got an eye roll and a "you are crazy" out of it.

Don't get me wrong, the Scrambler was a great boat and I was very happy with it.  I just can't pass up the opportunity to get the Prowler for the price.  Like everyone said, I would end up with one eventually.  I am just on the start of my kayak collection.  I have my "wifes" Frenzy to use if I want a smaller boat to play/surf with.

I have spent the last few days going through the Scrambler pimping posts, now I have to research the Prowler 13's!

I think it is going to be yellow, but at this price for a new boat I am not going to be picky....as long as it isn't pink 

Thanks all!  Matt

Take the P-13 and don't look back!

I concur...great deal!!

Allen

now I have to research the Prowler 13's!

Look at Fish Hunters P13...he did a great job mounting his fish finder on it....I know I posted it somewhere....


here it is: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,8903.0.html

The only thing I would have changed in Adam's set-up is to move the rod holder further up front - just to keep the are betwenn your legs clutter free. That space is important to have when dealing with any big fish = consider it your "work" station