Tarpon 140 VS 160

Firstpost here, just found this site a week ago lots of good info. I currently have a 2009 T120 which I love, but now my wife wants a Yak and She is going to take the 120 and I'm going to upgrade.  I have paddled the T140 (My buddy has one) and that's what I'm leaning toward buying.  Just want to make sure I'm not missing something by not getting the T160 (I don't want to be upgrading again in a month )  I am 220lbs 6'1" I mostly use the Yak for Ab diving, and Ocean Fishing, with some lake use.  Any advice is appreciated thanks.

i paddle and highly reccomend the t-140. it is the perfect balance of speed vs stability and maneuverability. although the 160 is faster, it has less rocker for surf-situations. in addition, the 140 turns quicker and has a little more primary stability for mixing cocktails.  go 140 and you will not regret it.

Thanks, Looks like I'll be picking up a 140 tomorrow.

IMHO there really isn't much more of a stability loss from the T140 to the T160. I have owned one T140 and two T160's. Much more leg room and storage room. I am a big guy myself (6'3" and 250 lbs) and I can lock my knees if I want to in the T160. I loved my T140 but soon as I took out the T160 I was in heaven. If you get a chance paddle the 160 before you buy anything. You are welcome to give mine a spin. As for turning, a rudder will make any long boat turn on a dime, well not quite, but makes a huge difference!

Jeff

That's the thing i was wondering about the bigger tarpons, does the 14 and 16 need rudders? It looks like the 14 might be ok...but with the 16 I'm not sure. I know a few of you have T16's but i cant remember ever seeing a rudder...thanks.

That's the thing i was wondering about the bigger tarpons, does the 14 and 16 need rudders? It looks like the 14 might be ok...but with the 16 I'm not sure. I know a few of you have T16's but i cant remember ever seeing a rudder...thanks.

Ive paddled my old T160 without the rudder, it'll turn but a little more work than the T140 with no rudder. My current boat (T160) with a rudder, it turns great. I'd recommend a rudder but isn't a necessity.

Jeff

I must agree with jeff.

I have a t160 and love it. I have been in some pretty rough water with it and have never even come close to feeling unstable. I do recommend a rudder with this boat and have no trouble turning with mine.

I am sure the t140 is a great boat as well and think you would be satisfied with either. The extra lenght gives a little more storage but is so far forward and back that you can't get to it while onthe water anyway.

Good luck with the purchase

stoggie

Ah thanks guys! I was just wondering because i have never seen one before. Looks like a killer yak, i need to try one out sometime for future buys.

Thanks for the advice everyone.  I went yesterday and bought a T140.  The T140 has a lot more storage than my T120.  I started setting it up today, and I am making some pole holders mounts to go with the trax system.  A lot of the desicion came down to my storage area in my garage, the 2 extra feet would have been in the way once I started measuring it out.

glad you found a yak you like, i have an older t140 that i love, would love to hear your thoughts on the trax they added this year when you get it all dialed out, cameron