09 Tarpon - anyone tried 'em?

blue

I agree, it's like these designers don't actually use these kayaks.

After schlepping mine around for a year, I finally got the wheels for it.
I  can't imagine trying to carry that thing (the 2009 model) up a hill or steep beach where you can't use wheels.

I like what I see about the WS Tarpon 120 ultralight, wished they made a 140 ultralight, I would switch from my 160i.

Try to pick up an older 160i angler edition, I absolutely love mine, it rides dry and is super fast and takes a lot less effort than some of the floating couches out there.

My second choice from the older 160i would be the new Prowler 15 Trident. A great boat, not too heavy and fast enough.

Stoggie

Is this true?
The 09 T160 weighs 81lbs?????!!!!!!!!!

That is ridiculous.

Bluekayak

Look at the South African kayaks, like the Kazkazi Dorado or the Macski Kingfisher.
I think my next kayak will be a kingfisher, I tried one out last year and while not as fast as the T160i, nor as stable (initial stability), it has a lot of features that the new yaks are just now implementing, like the storage in the middle (rod pod), the fishfinder compartment and a built in live well. There is less storage on the top of the yak, but the interior has a lot of storage. The upside is the kingfisher is made for rough water and punching through surf and is made of fiberglass not rotomolded.

Stoggie

I've looked at the Macski too. Looks cool---I'd like to paddle one. But I'm not an advocate for glass when considering the type of fishing I/we do. Fiberglass construction is great, as long as you don't: drag it across the sand, launch/paddle anywhere near rocks, store it outside, or transport it on top of your car.

Man, I'm just really bummed to hear how much the new T160 weighs. I mean, that's like a P15 w/marine battery and trolling motor. Might as well get a boat. These kayak manufacturers s/b manufacturing new boats with the intent of making them lighter...not heavier.

Too bad most of the deals I'm finding seem to be in Sacramento shops or down South.  C'mon Bay area stores, step up with some sales!

If you're from RWC, why not support your local mom and pop store like Aquan Sports in San Carlos (shameless plug) We price match by the way....AND we give 10% off to any NCKA'er (secret hand shake required )

*we only carry Ocean Kayaks*

Look at the South African kayaks, like the Kazkazi Dorado or the Macski Kingfisher.

BTDT-not worth the minor improvement in paddling.

Too bad most of the deals I'm finding seem to be in Sacramento shops or down South.  C'mon Bay area stores, step up with some sales!

If you're from RWC, why not support your local mom and pop store like Aquan Sports in San Carlos (shameless plug) We price match by the way....AND we give 10% off to any NCKA'er (secret hand shake required )

*we only carry Ocean Kayaks*

Was in there the other day but the guy helping me didn't seem to know a ton about the SOTs.  May have to roll in again, I know you helped me once a year or two ago when I was close to purchasing (we talked about this forum, you gave us a mag to bring home), so should definitely head in again.  I think my lady friend wants to pick up a T13 as well.

Hydrospider is getting one, its been on order for ages.

I ordered my "09" T160 in Dec 08.  Tommorrow is the second promised arrival date since then. Just got off the phone with the outfitter and he stated it hadnt arrived.
When and if it ever arrives Ill give a full review of its performance but ill go ahead and report my customer service experience with WS/confluence.
This will be the 6th WS boat Ive purchased. The last?  we will see.
Im not the kind of paddler that wastes time with anything but the best boat for my personel style and needs so Ive stuck with them but it is getting very difficult to be loyal.
The first north bay shop I bought WS boats from decided years ago that it just wasnt worth doing business with WS anymore.
Seems that admin cant get it together but it "shouldnt effect the customer". This was the first time I heard this but not the last.
The last boat I ordered was from the fine folks at Clavey. When I went to pick it up they advised me, very professionally, that it would be the last WS they would be ordering for any customer. I was assured that it was for reasons that do not effect the customer directly.
Sound familiar?
Tragically they were wrong.
Since there wasnt a shop willing to do business with WS in my area and decided to be nostalgic and travel 6 hours to the first shop I purchased a kayak from way back in 88. They carry WS and were more than happy to order the boat for this prodigal paddler while I was still there in the shop.
I ordered early for reasons that effect me the customer, the customer with a voice and more importantly a keyboard, but still WS dropped the ball and now it looks like they've dropped it again. When the boat didnt arrive at the promised date the outfitter had a difficult time getting anyone from WS/confluence to get back to them. Days later they called the outfitter to let them know that the boat was never made and they couldnt find the order. If I wasnt at the shop when it was ordered I could understand that it may have been the outfitters bungling ,but no, this is on WS.
I had planned my very full life schedule around the arrival date of the boat. I had ordered early so that this boat would be fully pimped and ready for the adventure that was last week. One would think that Dec would be enough time for 1 kayak. Am I wrong?
So now it has effected a customer, no, THE customer. Ive been shaking WS pom poms for years but after the witnessed history and this last dropped ball, I may be leaving them on the field.
Ill keep you posted.
wake up WS. the NCKA is watching

That sucks, Terry.  I've been waiting anxiously for your review/opinions on the '09.  Hopefully WS finds a way to turn things around...

I get it now. I understand why the shops arent interested in dealing with WS/confluence.
I got the call from the outfitter this morning stating that the boat was still being prepped for shipping and may have a shipping# tommorrow and yet another arrival date.
I called WS to plead my case and give them the opportunity to make it right. I was hoping that they would ship it directly to my home. WS turned it on the outfitter stating that it was up to them to make it right and that they would not ship it to my house.
I spoke with the outfitter again and he said they would not ship it to me since they were already taking the hit for the single boat shipment. He went on to explain that he had already ceased to do business with WS once before and that he was convinced by WS at a show last year that they had changed and decided to give them and the new tarpons a chance.
Seems like there may be a cultural problem in WS customer service. There was a irritated tone that the rep took with me that was amplified after a condescending confirmation that I was a consumer and not a dealer. The conversation ended with the forced "enjoy your boat" but I could feel the eye roll.
 The outfitter and I both agreed that as challenging as they are to deal with, WS is producing a great boat and I have no doubts that they make the best boats for me.

I guess thats enough of my ranting threadjack. Im hoping to have it in the water midmay. Ill get it salty then bring it home to get it in the slime, hoping to put a solid review together.
Unfortunately there will be no time for pimping. Time at work/life and a stack of adventures will keep the boat a hanger queen for a few months.
the dude is bummed

That sucks man.  Always amazes me to hear about bad customer service in this day and age of tightening wallets and ease of information spreading via the internet, especially in more 'niche' markets.  Hopefully the yak lives up to your expectations though, and exceeds them!  There are a few companies (non-kayak related) where I've experienced painful crap like you've gone thru and swore to never do biz with them again (and in one case called and had my CC reverse their charges after I canceled my order and they wouldn't)

Man, Terry, that sucks.
I really like the Tarpon series. And I've always read your reviews/posts with great interest because you know what you're talking about. But I'm wondering if I should continue being an advocate for WS if they have such poor business skills. I mean, I love a good kayak...but not if they're gonna punch me in the face after getting my $$.
Bummer. Hopefully they can correct the problem and make it right. Along those lines, give us an update when/if the boat comes in.

I have a Tarpon 160i and love it. I special ordered it from WS a few years ago and experienced the same sort of half-assed customer "service" described in this post. Endless delays, never returning phone calls, out and out lies, you name it. They are truly pathetic in that regard. But they make great boats, so I tolerated their BS. But 81 pounds for a new Tarpon 160? No way I'll ever get one of those. My 64 pound boat is as heavy as I want to deal with. I have two WS boats, but they may be the last.