Snow2Surf.com - Kayak Reviews

By: Peter Berlinghoff, Leland Rogan, Alex Kronick, and Michael Truett



New for 2002, Perception introduces the “Mandalay” a tandem sit-on-top to crush the notion that sit-on-top kayaks are just wimpy plastic toy versions of their more hardcore touring cousins. Okay, I wouldn’t paddle Norway or Alaska in a sit-on-top, since you are much more exposed to the water and elements. But the Mandalay is the prescription for a great summer’s day on a river, lake, etc, where you want to go the distance and enjoy the ride. At 17 feet long, the Mandalay is one of the longest models in its class, most tandem sit-on-tops are in the 12-14 foot range. The length allows for stow hatches with lots of storage in the bow and stern, plus a recessed storage-well between paddlers, which is particularly convenient for day trip supplies, as both people can reach it. The length and design also place the paddlers far enough apart that there’s no paddle bumping, even during opposing strokes. This is an issue in shorter tandems, forcing the person in the stern to wait a half a stroke sometimes to make little corrective steering strokes so to avoid hitting the bow-man’s paddle as he finishes his stroke. And the Mandalay is fast. Yes, it’s fast. Its long length and keeled hull allow this boat to really get up to speed with two paddlers. It tracks beautifully and cuts the water cleanly. What also sets the Mandalay apart from other tandems out there today is the attention to detail that Perception puts into its boats: hardware for an optional rudder, adjustable foot pedals, cargo straps for a deck bag, eyelets all around for rigging or seatbacks, seat pads you can custom fit, ergonomic bow and stern handles, and not only a bungee-strap bottle holder for each seat, but even two spiffy water-bottles sporting the Perception logo. The narrow hull of the Mandalay may put off some true beginners because it lacks the initial stability of other much wider sit-on-tops. But if you like paddling tandem and have dismissed the idea of a sit-on-top, thinking you’ll have to sacrifice performance, don’t pass up this one. It’s a swift sleek tandem with a nice fit and finish, not to be confused with those wide-bottom sluggish floaters you might rent on vacation. Check it out.




If you are looking for a versatile, fun, lightweight sit-on-top kayak for two paddlers, make sure to take the Cobra Tandem for a spin. It’s a stable, roomy tandem, wide enough to be forgiving in light ocean surf & chop and also sleek enough to provide fairly decent tracking for a boat only 12 feet long. And weighing in at only 60 pounds, transportation is a no-brainer. Lifting it doesn’t require Herculean efforts, and the Cobra Tandem sits easily on top of any SUV or car with a roof rack. With optional deck hatches custom installed by Cobra, this boat has a ton of storage space. You and your fellow paddler can bring along anything you need for a full day’s activities: beach bags, snorkelling gear, beach umbrella, even a small cooler. And Cobra’s locking mechanisms and hatch seals are extremely watertight. After several hours of very wet conditions, everything down below was nice and dry. The Tandem can also be outfitted with optional high-back seats that clip in easily, have four points of adjustment, and make the ride much more comfortable and enjoyable without inhibiting motion at all. Cobra’s “Power Flex” paddles guided the way; while certainly not the lightest paddle out there, they are nearly indestructible with a durable, flexible blade that you can use to shove off of obstacles you wouldn’t want to touch with a fancier carbon blade. This boat can be used by a single paddler sitting in the stern seat, but it is not ideal as it rides a bit low and the scupper holes take in more water. There is no optional middle seat as is seen in some tandems. The Cobra tandem is best used with two paddlers. It is a stable buoyant boat, easy to hop in and out of in deep water without capsizing. We did manage to flip it once, but are glad to report that the hatches and seals didn’t take in any water then either. All in all, we highly recommend the Cobra Tandem for recreational paddlers who want to enjoy a few hours or even a whole day in a roomy comfortable sit-on-top kayak. It’s great on calm river and inlet waters, and lots of fun in the ocean surf. Even with two people on board, catching a wave is a snap. All Cobra Kayaks and accessories are made in the USA.

Our rating for the Cobra Tandem..... .....5 out of 5








The Kodiak is a fast boat. We were able to get out into the ocean in a 3 foot swell. The Kodiak would cut right through the wave. We had a few beginners try the boat and they had a hard time staying afloat. But if you are an advanced/intermediate paddler this is the boat you want. We also went on a 3 day trip and the Kodiak proved to be very comfortable. The Kodial is everything you want in a boat.

Our rating for the Kodiak..... .....5 out of 5








The method air is a pleasant addition to the Perception family. The method air is the big brother to the method. It has more volume, length and width. It will make you feel like you are paddling with ease. We started out in the ocean, with a 2-foot swell. It brought hours of enjoyment. The ability to put this boat into a spin was amazing. If you timed it right you were able to spin right before you needed to drop into a wave. If your timing were off you would end up dropping in backwards. Overall this boat was a pleasure to ride in small surf.
Our rating for the Method Air..... ....5 out of 5








Sit on Top kayaks are great for recreational use. Our beginners loved this boat. It was very stable and you still get a great tan on your legs. Ocean Kayak makes great boats and we are looking forward to testing the new enclosed kayaks.
Our rating for the Scrambler XT..... ....5 out of 5