Prowler 13 ~VS~ Tarpon 140

Hey Guys and Gals,
I have a very simple Survey here.

Which kayak would you recommend I buy: a Prowler 13 or a WS Tarpon 140?

There are no other options, its either the Prowler 13 or the Tarpon 140. You don't necessarily need to tell me WHY. But your input is welcomed and appreciated.
FYI: I am talking about used kayaks here; not new ones, so these models are a year or two old.

I am split 50-50 right now. The Tarpon has its upsides and so does the Prowler. This kayak will be used mainly for ocean rockfishing but it will also be used in freshwater for bass + trout. Regardless of which one I get, it will undoubtedly be an upgrade from my old Drifter, which paddles like a wet turd.

Thanks everybody! NCKA rocks!
PK

Prowler 13
FEATURES
Comfort Plus™ seat back
Oversized tank well with bungee
Side-mounted carrying handles
Molded-in cup holder
Large bow hatch
Battery bag
6" Cam Lock center hatch with storage bucket
Paddle keepers
Two flush mounted rod holders
Transducer compatible scupper
Reflective deck rigging
Small tackle box
Angler graphics
SEATING
Seats one adult.
Also available in a Base Model
LENGTH 13' 4" / 4.1 m
WIDTH 28" / 71.1 cm
SEAT WIDTH 17" / 43.2 cm
WEIGHT 54 lbs / 24.5 kg
MAX CAPACITY 400-450 lbs /
181.4 - 204.1 kg


Tarpon 140
Specs
Length 14' / 427 cm
Weight 65 lbs / 29 kg
Width 28" / 71 cm
Capacity 375 lbs / 170 kg
Features
Comfort Seating System TriggerLock™ footbrace system 18.5" bow hatch Two 6" day hatches Contour notches for milk crate & bait bucket Tankwell bungees Paddle/Rod holders Scotty® spinning rod holder Two flush mount rod holders Anchor system and cleat

the tarpon is faster. i think the hull design of the tarpon is better. look at the boats uside down. yes the tarpon is heavier but i believe that is because the hull is thicker and retains its shape better. i love my t-140. for me it is the perfect balance of primary stability,secondary stability,tracking and maneuverability.

I suggest you spend a day paddling both - given that you are an active Kayak Fisherman, you owe to yourself to choose the kayak that suites you the best. Cover all the bases before you make the final decision: where do I put my FF, where can I install an extra rod holder, is there another  spot where I can install my GPS, does my tankwell have enough room to carry my 40 inch ling  ....and more importantly, is there a spot where I can park my sierra nevada 


Good luck!

the tarpon is faster. i think the hull design of the tarpon is better. look at the boats uside down. yes the tarpon is heavier but i believe that is because the hull is thicker and retains its shape better. i love my t-140. for me it is the perfect balance of primary stability,secondary stability,tracking and maneuverability.

Hmmm ... I find the Tarpon 140 SLOWER than the Prowler 13.

Joel ... you don't even know what Sierra Nevada tastes like.   

-Allen

Joel ... you don't even know what Sierra Nevada tastes like

I know...but it just sounded cool 

Joel ... you don't even know what Sierra Nevada tastes like

I know...but it just sounded cool 

Smirnoff Ice   

Joel ... you don't even know what Sierra Nevada tastes like

I know...but it just sounded cool 

Smirnoff Ice   

I was gonna mention that Brian...but I was afraid no one would relate

I think you'll find the Prowler 13 to be more stable when you're sitting around fishing and large swells are rocking the boat.

I found this in the archives: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,1745.0.html
Some good info on there.

Has anyone voted yet???!
PK

I like the Tarpon.  As Ganoderma said, the Tarpon does rock around in the swells.  But, you get used to it.  And the built in cupholder is a sign of genius.  It lets you vary your trolling speed.  A few minutes of paddling followed by a few seconds of coasting whilst you sip.

Greg

And the built in cupholder is a sign of genius.  It lets you vary your trolling speed.  A few minutes of paddling followed by a few seconds of coasting whilst you sip.

  Chris / Cpyak has had a record number of striper catches using this method   

I have only paddled the Prowler, so I cannot offer much in the way of comparison. I love the way the Prowler 13 handles. I do know that the prowler has TWO cup holders, which is awesome, one for the frosty brew, one for the water bottle.

I would do what it takes to paddle both before buying either.

Thanks for all the info guys! I appreciate it big time!

I bought a used Tarpon 140 today. Let the pimping begin! Gimme some ideas. Planning to take it out on Saturday to slay some rockfish...and splash a little blood.

PK

Ocean Kayaks Prowler 13  11 (73.3%)
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140  4 (26.7%)
 
Total Voters: 15

Congrats PK. Just curious as to why you chose the Tarpon over the Prowler when the poll gave a substantial lead to the prowler? IMO both are quality products.

Ben