If you like to spend calm and sunny days in a kayak and want to be able to bring your family on the adventure, well, you do not need to spend a monthly salary to do so. Perception Rambler Tandem 13.5 Kayak meets all the requirements. More so, the incredibly durable and stable Rambler Tandem can easily accommodate even your child or dog.
Perception Rambler 13.5 is undoubtedly one of the most affordable tandem kayaks you will find on the market and can still exceed your expectations. It has an easy-to-use deck that you can lift and stretch after a rowing session. Its outstanding design and stability are more attractive to beginners. Interestingly, the Rambler Tandem is very popular with grandparents who like to take their children on a cruise. This kayak is about exercise and fun.
Perception Rambler 13.5 Tandem Kayak Overview:
Size and weight
Perception Rambler Tandem is a heavy kayak for one person. It is 13’6 ’(412 cm) long, 34 ″ (86 cm) wide with a bridge profile of 15.5 ″ (39 cm). The kayak weighs 78 kg (35 kg), which is the main complaint related to the boat. It is a little heavier than Perception Tribe Tandem 13.5, but being a tandem, two people can carry it without problems. Transportation and storage will require some landing gear or wagons due to the length. Securing the kayak during transport is also something to think about, as the Rambler Tandem does not come with moulded or sturdy carrying handles.
On the other hand, its maximum load capacity of 550 lbs (249 kg) allows rowers to take the gear and supplies they might need without worrying about whether the boat can carry the load. Being on a heavier side means a higher limit to take whatever you need along with you on a day cruise or a camping trip.
Materials
Perception makes its kayaks from its own high-density polyethylene material. The process involves pouring the polyethylene granules into the mould, which heats up and rotates slowly so that the material fills every corner. After the mould cools, you get a one-piece, waterproof-resistant construction that is extremely robust and durable.
Main characteristics
Being an entry-level tandem kayak, Rambler 13.5 does not come with many features. At the bow and stern, the kayak has two carrying handles and two handles cast on each side of the cockpit.
When it comes to storage capacity, the bow offers a moulded storage tray, which is too shallow and lacks cables to secure the items you put there. Adding a bungee is quite easy and would make a big difference in its overall storage capacity.
The rear tank is spacious enough to accommodate a cooler and comes with a bungee to protect your equipment. There are three preformed round recesses in front of each seat. They fit with 8″ or smaller deck boards. More so, the Ramblers deck comes with ten scupper holes for draining water, but it can also leave some inside the kayak if you load it to capacity. Users recommend connecting the sinkholes under the seat to avoid the water to get in.
The manufacturer offers a beautiful and spacious space for seating.
Perception Rambler 13.5 Tandem Kayak has three cool moulded seats. The front and rear are detachable Harmony seats, which offer standard comfort and a better experience than some of the moulded seats with a thin lining that we see in many leisure kayaks. They have an adjustable backrest and regular back support.
If you plan to spend most of the day rowing, you may need to consider providing additional lumbar support. The child seat in the middle does not come with a padded seat. Thus, the perception added a few extra eyelets in case the user wants to pad the child seat as well.
Rambler Tandem has three sets of moulded footrests. Each set consists of three grooves that allow flexibility depending on the size of the paddler. This is the second remark addressed to kayaks for this boat. Namely, the footwells are superficial and uncomfortable when a wet foot is placed inside. It is highly recommended that you wear appropriate sandals or shoes. The Rambler 13.5 also comes with a replaceable protection plate, which protects the keel from the stern.
Performance
The strength of the Perception Rambler Tandem is its impeccable balance. The hull is specifically designed with excellent primary and secondary stability, which keeps the paddles firmly in place in different water conditions.
The best performance of the kayak is in the calm coastal waters and bays, with slow movement but it handles moderate winds and light surfing quite well. However, it does not shine on rough and open lakes. Strong, curved currents can cause more effort to stay on track, but overall, this kayak is safe enough for three people on board.
Warranty
Perception kayaks are warranted against defects in material or workmanship of the body and deck for 5 years from the date of the initial purchase of the kayak. In addition, you should know that parts, accessories and equipment are warranted for one year.
Additional Information for the Perception Rambler 13.5 Tandem Kayak:
- Length (in) 162
- Length (cm) 412
- Width (in) 34
- Width (cm) 86
- Height (in) 15.5
- Height (cm) 39
- Weight (lb) 78
- Weight (kg) 35
- Load capacity (lb) 550
- Load capacity (kg) 249
- The cabin type is on top
- Material High-density polyethylene
- Propulsion blade
- Rotomolded technology
Characteristics:
- Removable padded chairs and backrests with adjustable lumbar support
- Moulded footrests
Extra specifications:
- 2 + 1 crew
- Beginner, intermediate user level
- Intended for recreation use
- Intended to be used on large lakes, bays, slow rivers (class I-II), small lakes
- 1-year warranty on parts and accessories, 5-year limited warranty on body and deck
- Best price on the market on amazon.com
- Weight 35 kg
- Dimensions 412 × 86 × 39 cm
Customer Questions and Answers
- Question: Can a 6’7 “man fit comfortably?
- Answer: This tandem kayak can be adapted for solo rowing with the installation of 4 deck loops (sold separately on the Perception website). In that solo configuration, you would fit. It would probably be too tight for you in the current tandem configuration.
- Question: Does the Rambler have scuppers built into the hull?
- Answer: Yes. There are 6 vents in this model – 2 in front of each seat and 2 in the rear tank. If you want scupper plugs, they are sold separately on Amazon. Look for part number B079VDXDBT.
- Question: What is the total weight limit for this kayak?
- Answer: On the manufacturer’s website: MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 550 LBS. / 249 KG
- Question: It is said that transport takes more than a month, is it true?
- Answer: We received ours in about 10 days.
- Question: Can you add tandem fishing accessories? Like rod holders?
- Answer: The Rambler is primarily designed as a recreational kayak. If you are interested in fishing, we suggest you take a look at the Pescador or Pescador Pro models.
- Question: Is it easy to transport?
- Answer: If you buy kayak wheels, it is very easy to roll
- Question: Could it accommodate 2 adults and a dog?
- Answer: You might! Our Perception Rambler has been used by 2 adults and an 8-year-old child, so I think the dog would be fine!
- Question: Is this an inflatable kayak?
- Answer: No, the Rambler is a one-piece cast kayak.
- Question: Does the kayak come with its own paddles?
- Answer: No it does not.
- Question: Does this support an engine mount?
- Answer: No.
- Question: How well does it hold when only 1 is in the back seat? Balance and performance ….?
- Answer: I added some ties and sat in the centre chair. Very stable
- Question: Is there a rope or hook to tie it to a fence?
- Answer: It does not come with a rope. To secure this boat, we recommend the Harmony Gear Kayak cable lock (sold separately on Amazon – B07WY83FG1).
