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Topic: Is the t120's stability considered average?  (Read 3615 times)

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seabird

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Hey folks,

I'm shopping for my first yak and had a chance to take a Tarpon 120 out for a quick spin yesterday. In it's defense it's the first kayak I've been in/on though I did do a considerable amount of white water canoeing about 15 years ago.

My two initial impressions were that
A> It's pretty comfortable and
B> It's not as stable as I expected when hearing about sit on top kayaks. I wouldn't call it "unstable" but it was enough that I felt hesitant to practice the motion of turning around to get gear out of an imaginary milk crate.

So, my question: When compared to other SOT kayaks of similar size is the T120's stability considered average, slightly less, or above average?

I'm planning to go try out a Trident 13 and whatever else they have as well as take the T120 out for a couple hours.

Thanks!


Pompano120

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If i'm correct (hopefully) my last kayak the pompano120 was molded under the tarpon120 model. the tracking was pretty decent but the stability isn't near my T13 which is more superior. if you are going to get a SOT for ocean best to get at least 13 footer.

if you are worry more about stability T13 is pretty solid. and the center console space is pretty kool. i can store almost everything in there. when I land no fish are in plain sight. i wheelie to my car no one even bothers to look. lol


bmb

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Hey folks,

I'm shopping for my first yak and had a chance to take a Tarpon 120 out for a quick spin yesterday. In it's defense it's the first kayak I've been in/on though I did do a considerable amount of white water canoeing about 15 years ago.

My two initial impressions were that
A> It's pretty comfortable and
B> It's not as stable as I expected when hearing about sit on top kayaks. I wouldn't call it "unstable" but it was enough that I felt hesitant to practice the motion of turning around to get gear out of an imaginary milk crate.

So, my question: When compared to other SOT kayaks of similar size is the T120's stability considered average, slightly less, or above average?

I'm planning to go try out a Trident 13 and whatever else they have as well as take the T120 out for a couple hours.

Thanks!
Average as of when SOTs were first introduced.  Less than average stablity than now, since the average kayak has gotten wider and more stable over time.  I think all the tarpons are plenty stable for fishing, just takes getting used to.


seabird

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Thanks for the input! I'm not sure how concerned I am about stability since it seems like a tradeoff for speed/efficency and probably something else. More stability seems generally good, though not if it means that a long paddle back ends up being more of a drain.

I would be happy to hear any more opinions or experiences.


Squidder K

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Gets down to do you want a faster, better tracking boat, or something that hauls more gear than you will ever use.
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RacinRob

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The 120 is a very stable kayak. I know several guys that can stand up fish in it. No it is not as wide as some kayaks, but width does not always determine stability either. It is too short for my liking and will not track as straight as a longer kayak. You just need to be in a kayak longer than a quick test drive no matter what the brand so you can get used to whatever you are on. The longer you paddle the more comfy you will be in any boat.
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I'm getting ready to sell my ride 135 if you're interested.


OnTheReel

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Hey folks,

I'm shopping for my first yak and had a chance to take a Tarpon 120 out for a quick spin yesterday. In it's defense it's the first kayak I've been in/on though I did do a considerable amount of white water canoeing about 15 years ago.

My two initial impressions were that
A> It's pretty comfortable and
B> It's not as stable as I expected when hearing about sit on top kayaks. I wouldn't call it "unstable" but it was enough that I felt hesitant to practice the motion of turning around to get gear out of an imaginary milk crate.

So, my question: When compared to other SOT kayaks of similar size is the T120's stability considered average, slightly less, or above average?

I'm planning to go try out a Trident 13 and whatever else they have as well as take the T120 out for a couple hours.

Thanks!

I've owned the older prowler 15, trident 13, Tarpon 120 and 140... The Trident and Prowler kayaks are definitely more stable, but very slow and do not track straight compared to the Tarpon's... Not to mention a HELL of a lot more dryer too!! The Tarpons are very wet, as the ride is very low, however... I will have to say, after selling my Prowler, Trident and 120.. I absolutely love my 140... all it needed was a FF and scupper plugs and it is like a completely different beast.. Not to mention, FAST and STRAIGHT!

You will get used to the "stability" after the first couple uses. You will learn proper techniques to hand placement and weight distribution on the 120 / 140 to reach for your gear... However ANY kayak will tip reaching for stuff if not planned out wisely. My buddy rolled his brand new Trident 3 times the first time he came out with me on it!

If you want something straight and fast, get something longer for ocean Kayaking. For the price, you can find a Tarpon for pretty cheap online too... Building it to fit your needs are where it is at.. and just like Squidder K said, the one thing to keep in mind is bringing things that you will USE and not just haul stuff you won't!!

If it were me, it depends on what you want... Ocean, Big water, and distance traveled.. I'd take the Tarpon 120/140 all day over the Trident 13... If you were to stay inside, not paddle for long distances, and use it for lakes, then ya the Trident is the way to go.. But this is my own opinion, as I still have yet to find a happy medium (which I believe is the Jackson Kraken.. but I don't have that kinda $$$ right now to find out!)...

Good luck, happy angling and tight lines!!
- Austin - IG: on_the_reel_831



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You might also consider your movements while reaching for gear.  I was told it's always better to turn and sit side saddle while fiddling with stuff in the back well.  As counterintuitive as it sounds, it's much more stable than trying to spin around and reach... which can throw your center of gravity way outta whack.  My only other suggestion is to give any kayak more seat time. 
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RacinRob

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My observation is most kayaks are wet in the ocean when the wind or swells come up. The newer tarpons are a lot drier than the pre 2011 or so. I don't know what year you have or had Rippin. Bottom line, try till you find what works for you.
« Last Edit: September 21, 2015, 02:58:20 PM by RacinRob »
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Pompano120

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You might also consider your movements while reaching for gear.  I was told it's always better to turn and sit side saddle while fiddling with stuff in the back well.  As counterintuitive as it sounds, it's much more stable than trying to spin around and reach... which can throw your center of gravity way outta whack.  My only other suggestion is to give any kayak more seat time.

I'm scare putting my feet in the water sideways while fiddling with he stuff in the back. when i turn to get the stuff in the back depending which way i turn. say I turn right, my main grab hand will be my right hand and my left hand will grab the right side handle and it has help me remain stable so far.


Pompano120

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as I stated earlier the pompano 120 looks exactly like the tarpon 120. they said it is molded under the tarpon 120 model. and it is wetter in the water compared to my T13 i have now. also, upon landing my T13 can take bigger waves and not flip versus when i got flipped in my pompano at Big Sur.
I find stability is helpful when landing around huge wave and white caps but If i had the choice to get a new yak I would go for speed.



RacinRob

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as I stated earlier the pompano 120 looks exactly like the tarpon 120. they said it is molded under the tarpon 120 model. and it is wetter in the water compared to my T13 i have now. also, upon landing my T13 can take bigger waves and not flip versus when i got flipped in my pompano at Big Sur.
I find stability is helpful when landing around huge wave and white caps but If i had the choice to get a new yak I would go for speed.



That is the older 120 design with the old seating and lower sides.
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bpowa

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The t120 is very stable.. Moreso than my hobie revo.  Paddle  great no need for rudder.

If only it were a foot longer and comes with a mirage drive it would be a perfect fishing kayak.


RacinRob

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The t120 is very stable.. Moreso than my hobie revo.  Paddle  great no need for rudder.

If only it were a foot longer and comes with a mirage drive it would be a perfect fishing kayak.

They are still testing that, but is not a mirage drive.
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