T13-P13 Narrowing it down.

Well after talking it out with my father he decided that him being shorter than me and the way he likes to fish that my tarpon is great fit for him, so that's his. Me on the other hand need quite a bit of leg room being 6'2 150lbs at 19 so i kinda need a bigger yak .. I figure i will grow a little bit more. The object here is buying a kayak that i am  fulfilled with. Rigging it is no problem, i just need the base to start. I have always had the problem of jumping the gun and wanting to buy the first thing i see. So I'm trying to change that. So after researching A LOT and searching here, i am just curious as to what you guys think of the P13 vs T13 and feel free to add any other kayaks to the list. I've heard a lot of good things about the Malibu kayaks also but don't know the real prices on one. Hobie is out of the question because i don't have that type of money at the moment.. .

I'm leaning toward the T13 or the P13 but i haven't seen anything on the P13 of lately, is it not so great now that the rod pod and sonar shield came out on the trident? I will be using it in lakes,ocean,bay and delta, of course with a buddy. I've read that you guys love the rod pod and sonar shield and transducer scupper ect ect. I just am lost on which i should get beings i will be using this for quite a long time. Price is a factor at least right now but if it comes to it i will just keep saving. I know that i will have to try both before i put the cash down but i really want expert advice (you guys). . I have a few questions as of right now, do either of the P13 or T13 need a rudder to keep it tracked well, I've heard on other kayak brands sometimes you have to paddle an insane amount on one side to get it to track right? I guess what i am most intrigued about is the T13 it looks REALLY sweet. Hearing about how easy it is to fit all your rods and camping gear and go is really appealing. I like the transducer scupper feature and everything about it. The P13 looks like a great fit and everything as well and it looks like a great yak. I know a lot of you guys have both, have one and have sold it and bought another etc etc. I need your honest opinions on which would overall be the best. Also being able to paddle and glide fairly good is important, i dont really like the "barge" feeling and as stated before tracking is important.

Furthermore, PRICE PRICE PRICE. I've researched the prices on craigslist, classifieds here, and various other sites but id much rather buy from a store or used and be supporting a NCKA member. I have no problem buying used either but i also want to get a good price without ripping anyone off. Help?! Thanks guys for any input. Sorry for the long rant.

For the most part they are the same hull (at least I think they are) please someone correct me if I am wrong. So the diff is having the rod pod and sonar shield. If you plan to do more beach launches where you'll need to store your rods then the T may be your boat. If not you can save a few bucks and go with the P. Rudders are a personal choice. I have one on my T13 and wouldn't get a boat (over 13') without one. Others choose to pass one a ridder. I don't know if anyone HATES having a rudder. So I think that choice boils down to need/desire vs. $'s

P13 and T13 are quite different. 

P13 is narrower, has less volume, wetter ride from a lower seating position.  This makes it an arguably better paddling boat, but less comfortable.  Obviously the layout is dated compared to the T13 - Rod Pod, sonar shield - more flat surfaces for mounting things.

Test paddle both.

T13 weighs a lot more than the P13.

P13 and T13 are quite different. 

P13 is narrower, has less volume, wetter ride from a lower seating position.  This makes it an arguably better paddling boat, but less comfortable.  Obviously the layout is dated compared to the T13 - Rod Pod, sonar shield - more flat surfaces for mounting things.

Test paddle both.

T13 weighs a lot more than the P13.

thanks shicken...I knew there was more then a 'feature' diff. I guess thats why the P's leave me in the dust. And I thought it was 'cuz I am outta shape. 

P13 and T13 are quite different. 

P13 is narrower, has less volume, wetter ride from a lower seating position.  This makes it an arguably better paddling boat, but less comfortable.  Obviously the layout is dated compared to the T13 - Rod Pod, sonar shield - more flat surfaces for mounting things.

Test paddle both.

T13 weighs a lot more than the P13.

Ah, thanks that helps a ton. I thought they were the same design, just that the T13 had the rod pod and sonar shield. Hmmm, how does the T13 handle the blue and bay? Is it fairly easy to paddle as a whole, meaning you can paddle a good distance and not have the barge feel? It looks super sleek. I am wondering though about the T13 and the rudder situation though, which brings me to the next thing...does that mean the P13 would be a pain without the rudder as well? I realize that everyone is different but i don't like the idea of compensating a lot on one side to keep the tracking going well. Sorry for the questions i just wanted to know from the pro's. Does anyone that paddle the T13 or P13 as a main yak chime in on how it handles the big blue (in right conditions ofc) and the regular bay conditions. Also the rudder VS no rudder, is it really noticeable at 13'? Again sorry for the questions, i am going to try before i buy but i want to know all the info before hand so i know how well they perform while fishing and such.

 I guess what i really want to know is if after all this talk which you would get, and if you have one or have ever paddled either how you liked it and what you disliked about it. Again really fast responses and all comments were helpful. Thanks! PS. You don't have to say or you can PM me but knowing how much YOU paid for yours. Also any idea on anyone who has one that is looking to sell (worth a try  ) or any dealers that you guys have gotten a good price and are happy with would also be GREATLY appreciated. Again, THANK YOU! This site rocks and I'm trying to get everyone i know to go out and try it.
-Scout

Hey Scout,

I do not own either boat, but I am in the market for a new one, and through my research have narrowed my search to the T13 and P15. I have had the chance to recently paddle both (thanks to Shicken  ). For what it's worth, here is what I found.

If I prioritize the fishing aspect of it, I'll go for the T13. The layout is so nice, the rod pod rocks, it's dry, stable, and comfortable. I had it in some surf at Linda Mar and found it handled fine for me.

If I prioritize the paddling aspect of it, I'll for the P15. That is one sleek, sexy, fast paddling boat with a lot of glide. Feels even faster since you sit lower. It is a little wet, and getting to the front hatch for rod storage is doable, but not as dead simple as the rod pod.

Tonight, I'm leaning to the T13, but if you ask me tomorrow, it could easily swing the other way. I don't have much experience with other boats though, and I only had 1 paddle in each one, so take my comments with a grain of salt. 

(note I'm comparing the 13 to a 15. The reason is that I figure if I go with the P, it will be due to the paddling characteristics, and if that's the case, might as well go whole hog for a faster boat.)

Anyway, the journey is 1/2 the fun, so enjoy your research knowing that whatever you decide will be an awesome new toy!

Kook

The T13 does have a more barge like quality than the P13.  That is because of the T13's increased width.  This was necessary to fit the rod pod, and also to increase stability to compensate for the higher seating position's increased center of gravity.  The benefit of all that is increased comfort and fishing ability.

You need to paddle both boats to see what works for you.

Obkook broke down the priorities very well, you have to weigh them personally.

Hope you find the boat that suits you best.

That helps a lot kook. I was wondering what the fish ability is like and comfort level. Also shicken, you are the man, knowing all the facts thanks man. I haven't tried either of them yet, but narrowing it down for what i want i came to these 2 kayaks. Like kook said its kinda difficult to choose since one day you want the one and next the other. So many hard choices. Like i said i am going to try before before i buy but wanted input. Also another question, are the Prowlers still being made? (maybe a stupid question) but having memory problems doesn't help but i could have sworn that i saw a post that said they're no longer producing them. I might have read it wrong, forgive me if i am wrong. Also T13. Reading back on the search engine it seems as though quite a few have the T13. EWB or anyone with the T13 can you tell me your thoughts after having it for a while, what you would change and if you guys have a rudder...*sorry guys i know the rudder thing is getting old but a faint star wars "Help me NCKA, you're my only hope" comes to mind when i ponder about which to get . I wish i could have gone to Albion and tried to win that T13 : / then i would be set. Danggggit! So many choices.

I have the T13 with a rudder and think its a great boat. Are others faster? Yes (think P15 and WS160). Are others more efficient? Yes (think Hobie). But I was planning on using my yak for fresh and salt fishing only. I wanted a dry ride since being uncomfortable leads to shorter OTW time. I also (at the time) I just couldn't wrap my head around the cost of a Hobie. This was gonna be my first new yak purchase. The T15 was close, but I am hauling it in the back of my pick up so storage and transport were factored in. Additionally, a bunch of ppl complained about the footwells on the 15. If I got a 2nd boat I would look at the small Hobie for delta and lake fishing (ChuckE made that inflatable Hobie look sweet at the Delta event). Its so nice to have your hands free to cast and troll and you can cover more water with less effort (IMHO) pedaling vs paddling. As for my first year with the T13 I really can't think of anything I would change. The cup holder location sucks (its to close to your crotch as does the bungee in the tank well but really non issues. I am not sure if you are a DIY'er. If not, the T's come pretty much ready to fish.

my 2 cents. Paddle both for a full day and you will know what is right for you.

Just to clarify, I am not calling the T13 a barge.   

It paddles quite well.  Just not as well as its predecessors since they sacrificed a bit of that for much better fishing ability.

I also own a T13, I wish it were a bit slimmer.

 

Just to clarify, I am not calling the T13 a barge.   

It paddles quite well.  Just not as well as its predecessors since they sacrificed a bit of that for much better fishing ability.

I also own a T13, I wish it were a bit slimmer.

 

If you'd like to paddle a true barge for comparison, try a Big Game. Stable as anything, not exactly svelte... I love it!!!

my son is 14 and short.  He had a p13 as his first boat.  He liked it.  Now its my wifes boat.  We won a t13 at the mbk tourny and that has become his primary boat.  t13 is drier but it pretty much needs a rudder.  it sits higher in the water so a wind from the side really twists you around.  They both paddle well but the primary thing is the rod pod.  When the launch landing is easy, I dont even bother putting things in the hull.  But when its sketchy, its nice and easy.  Also the reason the landing is sketchy is often lousy conditions, the last thing you want to be doing is working your way up to your front hatch.

one other thing I have noticed fishing kayaks over the years, is that if a group heads outs, we all get to the spot within a few minutes of each other.  The fit paddlers with sleek tarpons get there first but the x factors and tridents all make it shortly behind.  So I would make sure the boat is comfortable for you, that it paddles easy enough for you, then pull the trigger and get fishing

Thanks for the info guys, all taken into account. Its kinda been haunting me the last few night more and more. So i assume the prowlers are still being made? How does the P13 paddle without a rudder. It seems as though the T13 needs a rudder to get to its max potential? I know i read e2g's post about getting turned around and had to get it straight again in the wind. Do any of you know anyone getting ready to sell or are selling one yourself? I have no idea where to even go to get a reasonable price on either. I check classifieds on craigslist and here daily and have been for quite some time but other than that i cant find any that are for sale. Sorry for all the questions guys.

I believe Aquan Sports still gives NCKA a 10% discount, may not compare to used prices but that's almost 100 on a new T13. 

On rudders, I have a Cobra Marauder at 14 ft w/o rudder. Yes you do more correcting.

I go solo allot and handling a boat that big by myself (loading, storing etc) would be really compounded by having to be careful of the rudder, for me a rudder isn't worth it I'd probably bash it first time out.

I've owned all of 4 ... P13, P15, T13, T15.

First off I'm not a rudder guy.  I don't use them.  I don't like them.  I don't think they are necessary on any of these yaks, except it would be nice for downrigger trolling.  But that's just me, plenty of people take pleasure in using them.

P15 is the fastest.  T13 is only marginally faster than the P13. I doubt a newbie would notice the difference.  T15 is the slowest of the bunch, and the most "cadillac" too.

These days I'm down to the P15 and the T13, and on any given day it is a tossup as to what I'll paddle, with the T13 possibly being paddled more.  I like the P15 speed.  I like the T13 layout and dry ride.  I think most people can't go wrong with the T13.

But like always ... try before you buy.

-Allen