There’s a million and one ways to have fun on the water. Sometimes, the most enjoyable afternoons are had by relaxing about 50 feet away from the beach, hanging your legs off of the side of a boat, and soaking in the warm water. If this is the case, the Perception Tribe is the right tool for the job. The fact that the MRSP is only $495 for the 9.5 solo model is pretty good too. The cool thing about the Tribe is that it has an entry level price, but but lots of features that are typically found on boats twice the price. The other neat thing about the Tribe is that it comes in 3 sizes. The 9.5 is good for smaller paddlers and children. The 11.5 is the adult model, and the 13.5 can be used as a tandem or a solo.Great versatility.
Specs:
Length
Width
Weight
Max Capacity
Tribe 9.5
9-ft 5-in
31.5-in
47-lbs
300-lbs
Tribe 11.5*
11-ft 5-in
30.25-in
51-lbs
350-lbs
Tribe 13.5
13-ft 5-in
34-in
68-lbs
500-lbs
Pros:
The Tribe is a true sit on top. It’s perfect for the beach, lakes and streams. The nice thing about a sit on top is that you do not have to worry about being locked in the boat. You just hop in and out.
This boat is priced to sell. It’s an inexpensive sit on top that has quite a bit of features. Examples of this are rod and seat holders, roto-molded seat and foot braces, storage bays and enough sizes to fit either a 5 year old or a sumo wrestler.
The Tribe’s are stackable. I guess this only helps if you have more than one.
The Tribe’s come in cool colors. They remind me of ice cream sherbet. You can get the boat in solids or fades.
Sit on top’s in general are wicked stable, and the Tribe is no exception. You can hang your feet off to the side and the boat barely even moves.
Scupper plugs and a drain plug are nice touches.
Cons:
The Tribe is a price point sit on top that has really some cool features. It is not a super high performance vehicle. It’s better suited for trout fishing at the lake, rather than river running. Look at the Liquid Logic Coupe for a river running sit on top. The Coupe series is also more expensive.
The verdict:
The Perception Tribe is an inexpensive sit on top that has lots of great selling points. It is well made, has lots of features for an entry level price tag, and comes in lots of unique colors. If you are looking for a cost effective sit on top for this summer, the Perception Tribe Series is a solid choice.
The Commander, is Wilderness Systems answer to the Native Watercraft Ultimate Series. It’s a canoe / kayak hybrid that offer plenty of versatility. Anyone ranging from the serious kayak angler, to a family looking for a do-it-all, “SUV” type boat to bring to the lake, will appreciate the features on the Commander 120. The part of the boat that stands out the most is the unique tunnel hull design. There is a keel that runs down the center line of the boat, which aids the Commander’s tracking and rigidity. Beside the keel line, the hull becomes concave(tunnel hull) and then has additional volume on the sides. This is what provides the type stability that allows you to stand up in the boat. Overall, the Commander is a boat that suits all kinds of different needs.
Specs:
Here is a very informative video on The Commander 120
Pros:
The canoe/kayak hybrid offers the best features from both worlds. There is no cockpit, which makes The Commander super easy to get in and out if.
The seating system is very innovative. It can slide forward and back. With the seat all of the way forward, it is possible to have 2 people in the Commander(great for kids). There is an integrated roto-molded seat (captains perch) that is right behind the drivers chair (Freedom Elite Seating System).
It's pretty easy to stand up in the Commander
Cons:
There are no scupper holes to drain water. Get a bilge pump / squirt gun combo like the NRS Aqua Blaster and you will be golden.
You sit a little bit higher in this boat(especially in the captains perch seat), just like in a canoe. This means that you are a little bit more vulnerable to wind sheer.
There is a rudder option for the stern.
The Verdict:
The Wilderness systems Commander fits the bill for a few different applications. Anglers will like the abundant fishing related accessories, and ability to stand up in, and actually fish from within the boat. There is plenty of storage space, which makes the Commander the perfect choice for day trips on the lake. Pack a lunch and some drinks, paddle out to an island, and enjoy the day. The other thing about the Commander that makes it appealing is that it ranks high in the “kids friendliness” category. With the “Captains Perch” roto-molded seat and the “Freedom Elite Seat system”, it is possible to take young children out on safe flatwater adventures. Versatility and ease of use would be the 2 key words best associated with this boat.
