Likelihood of capsizing Pro Angler 17T

If you flip a PA17, you have the worst balance in the world and should just buy a bass boat. But if it does flip over, just climb on top and keep fishing...probably paddles the same upside down.

I have a PA 12, and wanted to get into it and know what I'm messin with.  Took it out to Berkeley boat launch on a windy day and headed out just north of the pier.  Strapped everything down, secured tackle in the hatch, and flipped it over.  Boy!  Talk about Pro Tankler!    . Trying to propel yourself up and over to flip it was impossible, unless you have swim fins.  While upside down it sits in the water so tall.  With its wide beam, getting under water, grabbing both side handles with push/pull technique & trying to flip it is nearly impossible.  After grimacing and letting out a whole lot of gas  and pulling a muscle, I was able to get it up and over.  Whew!  Heavy!  Glad I didn't have to swim it in!  Rescue ladder a must.  Front hatch took in about a gallon of water.  Definitely practice self rescue.  Hope this helps.

Did you try climbing onto it (while it was upside down) from the bow or the stern?

But if it does flip over, just climb on top and keep fishing...probably paddles the same upside down.

Winner!

 

As kayaks get heavier, wider and taller, I'm definitely a believer in rescue ladders now.  I'm a huge safety guy and think they're a key piece of equipment for some of these larger kayaks (Slayer Propel included).  For the cost of some rope and a handle of some sort, you get a huge upgrade in safety, even in flatwater conditions. 

You'll definitely need a rescue ladder (ski rope handle) to have a chance of getting her back over.  The 17 is a beast, we have one in our demo fleet and I cringe every time we have to move it around.  We've never had anyone flip it over so I can't vouch for any self rescue technique, I'd likely tie a line to it and tow it back into shore to deal with it.

But if it does flip over, just climb on top and keep fishing...probably paddles the same upside down.

Winner!

 

I tried that with the Outback and it paddles fine 

No, didn't try that.

You'll definitely need a rescue ladder (ski rope handle) to have a chance of getting her back over.  The 17 is a beast, we have one in our demo fleet and I cringe every time we have to move it around.  We've never had anyone flip it over so I can't vouch for any self rescue technique, I'd likely tie a line to it and tow it back into shore to deal with it.

That would work if another boat is around to give you a tow.  Pretty unlikely you can swim it back to shore. A little wind or current could make things more challenging.

Just speculating, since I don't own a PA or TA...   You might need a rope or a ladder to help you right it, and re-enter.  Here is an example, although I wouldn't buy it, but build something similar?

Very helpful. Thank you!

Thanks, Ted. That bass in your thumbnail is a BEAST!

Just finished driving the kids from Sedona AZ to Fair Oaks in 13 hours and I'm feeling like
Donanglin.   2 in the morning and I am completely wired.

So to the point...

I bought one of those kayak flipper ladders for $20 because I'm not sure if it ever happened that I could turn my propel 13 back over. I may never use it but it's there ready to go if I need to..
Your boat is at least 100 pounds heavier than mine. You might think about getting two of them.
$40 is worth for the peace of mind.  Safety is the rule!
Tom

I'm going to chime in here and say something you aren't going to like hearing. I think a few others are thinking this, too, but not saying it.

---I think taking a PA17 out in the open ocean is a bad idea---

 Can you flip over a 250 plus pound kayak by yourself in nasty conditions if your partner's leg cramps up after a yardsale?

PLEASE practice self rescue IN A LAKE, many many times, with a FULLY loaded kayak BEFORE you get that thing near the ocean.

My Outback weighs about 1/4 as much as the PA17, and it still feels like a tank. It took some practice to dial in my self rescue technique to the point where it only takes me a few seconds.   

I do plan to wear a 3mm wetsuit (probably with the top pulled down on warm days). If I ever fell in, I think once I calmed myself down, I could probably remove the life jacket in the water long enough to pull the sleeves up and zip myself up all the way. I played water polo and am a pretty strong swimmer, but I know that when you're cold and on the verge of panic, having the extra warmth and buoyancy of a wetsuit is a good idea.

Thanks again for the tips, guys!

Terel

I wouldn't remove my life jacket for any reason after I flipped. Too much could go wrong quickly and you could get separated from it in a blink of an eye. Buy a farmer john wetsuit and you'll be ok, temperature wise, while fishing/pedaling.

AlexB,  you are so right.....I learned that the hard way.... In that moment of panic and the energy it takes to get back on the right way is SUPER draining. ...you only have a few shots before you are done....PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! !!

I second Dave's post above. You don't want to be taking your PFD off, especially when you are in the EXACT situation the PFD is meant to help you with.