Newb with a Prowler 13

Hi all,

I'm a new poster here, though I've been lurking for about a month now.  Since I haven't posted earlier, just wanted to say thanks for all the folks here as this forum has been a tremendous source of information for me.

My buddy and I received our OK Prowler 13's this past weekend, we took them out for a trial run at San Pablo Reservoir and had a blast.  However, we both noticed that at any given time we had about 1.5" to 2" of water in both cockpits.  When we used the rental sit-on-top kayaks, there was barely any water in the cockpit and it usually drained out through the scuppers if it did come in.

Since both our loads were well under 300# and it was an extremely hot day (90's), I can't see why there would be water in the cockpits.  Is it normal for this particular kayak to have 1.5"-2" of water in the kayak?

Thanks in advance all!
Mike

 

Is it normal for this particular kayak to have 1.5"-2" of water in the kayak?

If you mean that much water in the cockpit, then yes that is normal.

If the water is inside the hull of the kayak, then no it is not normal.

Depending on the source of the water.  While on calm waters you can use scupper plugs.  Basically they plug up the scupper holes in areas where water is coming up and in from the scupper more than what is draining.  Pretty much available at any kayak shop or you can make your own plugs out of some spongy material.  Usually used in the seating area if that is the problem spot. 

Make sure though that you remove them if you are going to be in any rough water conditions or where there is a chance you can be swamped as if you have all the scuppers plugged it can cause you to fill full of water and cause instability.

The prowler kayaks have always been known for a wet ride.  they are designed to sit low so have good stability and don't catch much wind.  The trident series are a drier ride but catch the wind more.  I used to use my old prowler foot wells to hold minnows on the lake!  Scupper plugs work well on flat water.

Kampana, have you paddled a Prowler 15?

Depending on the source of the water.  While on calm waters you can use scupper plugs.  Basically they plug up the scupper holes in areas where water is coming up and in from the scupper more than what is draining.  Pretty much available at any kayak shop or you can make your own plugs out of some spongy material.  Usually used in the seating area if that is the problem spot. 

Make sure though that you remove them if you are going to be in any rough water conditions or where there is a chance you can be swamped as if you have all the scuppers plugged it can cause you to fill full of water and cause instability.

+ 1

And based on first hand experience, the scupper holes do not drain right away. learning (and constant practicing) how to keep the kayak balanced when theres water on your deck and tankwell is a very important skill. Learn how to brace using your paddle and most of all - do not panic. Once you panic, you tend to freeze up. Make sure you relax your hips and like Bruce Lee  once said "be like the water" - conform to it.

My last trip to bean Hollow, I almost lost control over my kayak because I took on too much water on my initial launch. I also took my time paddling out of the surf zone -  a bad thing to be complacent when surf launching and landing. Remember that every wave coming at you is never the same. Anyway, I was pushed back to reef infested shore but managed to avoid them by staying in control and keeping my bow facing into the wash. I then found a safe zone where the waves were not breaking as bad. I waited for the water to drain completely before my second attempt to get past the breakers. This time, patience paid off and I found a window and paddled like a mad man. Thankfully I was able to punch through and made it out safely.

Don't be disheartened by the wet ride.  The prowler is a great kayak.  Like the other gents said, get some scupper plugs for calm waters, and get used to being wet in rough waters. 

oh and....

OH YES the Madness begins NOW...WELCOME to IT!!!  Congats on the new ride!!!  Look forward to some Bloody cockpit  On The Water PICS

Hey thanks for the replies all.  I'm glad to learn that this is normal, though I'll definitely be packing some scupper plugs from here on out.  I'm GLAD to be part of the madness.

Hey thanks for the replies all.  I'm glad to learn that this is normal, though I'll definitely be packing some scupper plugs from here on out.  I'm GLAD to be part of the madness.

Try these Bro!

I am confused about this post.
I thought the Prowler and Trident were the same boat with slightly different deck features like rod pod lids and such. Damn... Ocean kayak made it a can of worms.
I have a Prowler/Trident T11 so what the hell am I driving out there a P or a T.  Mine will get a little wet out on the ocean (not bad) and I use scuppers when in the lakes or bays. 
So are the hulls different or not?

 

The Prowler is the original (no rod pod) and the Prowler Tridents are the second generation.

IMO, the original Prowlers are much better (and lighter) then the Tridents. But the rod pod on the Trident is definitely a plus!

just my cents...

My p13 has always been a very wet ride unless I have nothing in it at all. It does drift slower than most yaks though and as stated before that is probably due to the lower wind profile.   

On a side note I have personally witnessed two anglers fishing out of a single p13.

The Prowler is the original (no rod pod) and the Prowler Tridents are the second generation.

IMO, the original Prowlers are much better (and lighter) then the Tridents. But the rod pod on the Trident is definitely a plus!

just my cents...

+ 1!Same goes for the 15.

My experience in my Prowler 15t is that water is coming in through the scupper holes because of the low seat and footwell position, rather than over the sides. Scupper plugs solve the problem, but, are not advised in rough water where you can take a wave over the bow or sides. This would include lakes where powerboat traffic can stir it up. Now, using the one-way draining scupper valves pictured by Bones above, it's a much dryer ride, even in the slop. At about $8 per pair, it's money well spent.