Questions concerning Tarpon 14

Hey NCKAers.
Presenting I'm in the market for a Tarpon 140 however, I have concerns with the seaworthiness of this yak vs my weight. The rated max weight capacity of the Tarpon 140 is 375lbs. I'm currently about 275lb give or take 5lbs. My concerns are, with additional clothing, rods, batteries, FF, etc. how close can I come to the max capacity of the craft before it's consider no longer seaworthy? Should I put a lot of weight into this decision (no pun intended)? I would appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks
Don aka DaBlazer

hey don, i am 235-240, in the salt i feel very safe and dry in the t-140, i have been in some big swells and rougher conditions, and never felt like i was riding to low, and that is with full gear and a good stringer of fish, i love mine, hope this helps, but the only way to know for yourself is to test one out, hope this helps, cameron

Hey Cameron,
Thanks very much for the feedback. That's what I'm looking for. In addition, you're right. I really need to test drive before I buy. More research is needed however, I was hoping for more replies or some data that would show me that as long as I stay 40-50lbs+ under the max capacity I'm good. Anyway again, thanks for your feedback; I yeah that help alot.

Don aka DaBlazer

Go and try both the 140 and 160 is what I would say.

Go and try both the 140 and 160 is what I would say.

Yep. Try them both. The try at least a few others, say Cobra, Ocean kayak, maybe Malibu if you can. It's all about the test paddle.

I'm generally 195-200lbs, and have bounced my tarpon around in some rough stuff & it always has handled great (except that one time when I really wished it could levitate like a hovercraft )

Go and try both the 140 and 160 is what I would say.

Yep. Try them both. The try at least a few others, say Cobra, Ocean kayak, maybe Malibu if you can. It's all about the test paddle.

I'm generally 195-200lbs, and have bounced my tarpon around in some rough stuff & it always has handled great (except that one time when I really wished it could levitate like a hovercraft )

@ PISCEAN LOL! As an ex-Coastie, I can imagine there could be some days out on the water that I'd wish for a hovercraft too.
@ AlsHobieOutback & PISCEAN: I appreciate the feedback. My buddy B.A. keeps telling me the same thing. I really should test ride the yaks that I'm interested in to find the right fit, track, saddle, etc. I was really chomping at the bit for a Tarpon because of the loaded one for sale in the classified section. For the price, it was loaded for bear however, my ship just came in....and I was a day later, dolla short! Well now that it's gone, I can be smart and shop for the one that fits me...and hopefully not buy twice 
Good looking out,

Don aka DaBlazer

try the malibu x factor , that thing will hold you and all your gear in anywater , people have said its hard to paddle but once up to speed it tracks pretty nice , i also have a tarpon 140 and its stable but ive yet to pack on all the gear and try it in rough water to really speak on what it can do , ive had my x factor in super rough waters and have even launched into rough surf and it always handels well , my biggest complaint is that the center hatch takes in a little water when water doing surf launches or when its rainin pretty hard but not enough to really worrie .another complaint is that its big and bulky but not super heavy.

The malibu is in my crosshairs; one of the yaks Im going to ride this weekend. I heard some descriptions like "barge", "lake boat"; yet still compared with a trident in the same breath. I hope its comfortable and seaworthy as you've described baitnbeer. I'll take the wide beam and 500+ payload cause me shoulders can handle the rest. 

I love my X-Factor, but its not really gotten a workout (yet!   ) But before I got Sara a kayak of her own, I had her paddling the XF with me in the Hobie.  I was very suprised how easy it was for Sara to paddle and I actually had a hard time keeping up with her at times    But her T140 is super fast and seems to be a good fit for her.    I myself would like to try a T160 someday!  

Anyway I guess if you wanna try my X-Factor, Sara's 140, or my OB give me a PM! 

Right on Al,
LOL are you going to give it that workout soon?  If I don't get a chance to test the XF this weekend I will definitely hit on PM. Thanks for the offer. I'm getting more and more convince that it's the one for me. And no worries about keeping up. I appreciate your feedback also.