spider's T160 next gen

The next gen of Tarpon160 has evolved beyond my expectations.
It is 16' 2 and weighed in at 77.2#s completely naked.
I kept it this way for its first glide and chose a calm flat day so that I could get a solid handle on this boats primary stabilty and speed.
It may help those who may be interested in this boat/review to know that I come in at 5' 11 172#s and of average athletic ability.

I guess since the T160s of old are known for their speed, its a good place to start.
Without a doubt, the new gen is faster than the earlier models, but Im not convinced that its due to the new hull design. The saddle puts the paddler in a better position the reach out further, grab a bigger chunk of water, and swing harder,without sacrificing stability.
It blasts off the line and the smooth glide makes it easy to maintain your speed.

At first glance I suspected that the seat being elavated off the deck might raise the COG.
It may have, but I didnt feel the difference and the boat is beyond solid in flat water.
I was able to turn around in the cockpit, climb into the huge tank well and sit comfortably with my legs extended in the well, then turn and climb back into saddle with no problems.
I was able to stand in flat water, and even though there isnt a great area to plant your feet. I was able to keep my balance when PBs would bring a wake my way, but it did require some additional attention.
It felt as though I will have the same challenges with a hook set and actually fighting a fish from this position as the T140. The arches of my feel resting on the edge of the seat felt best for me.
The boat was very easy to climb back into. Sorry but the oft used term "self rescue" just makes my teeth itch. If just getting back into your boat in flat water feels like a rescue situation you may want to consider another game. Ok, im done.

For a boat of its length it is extremely agile but it should be noted that I use a BIG bladed 240 paddle. I tested the boat with a 210 and a 194 and kind of struggled. I would not recommend anything less than 230 for those who arent interested in using a rudder.
I spent some time practicing a sculling draw and it felt very similiar to the T140. Maybe a bit slower, maybe.
I wanted to attempt some bracing and maybe even attempt a roll but even with the slide trax system Im not able attach leg straps,   yet.

Im post back surgery and this is definately a seat that I can spend the entire day in without issue.
wow is the word. I had problems with my left leg going to sleep in my old DH if I wasnt careful to change positions often. Not so with what is easily the most comfortable seat Ive experienced in any kayak.

I left out any scupper plugs and found that water came up into the foot wells but did not stand.
It was wet but did not hold water. I contribute what water did rise into the well to the boats speed.

Ok finally, one of the biggest reasons Im so excited about these next gen boats form WS,
the hatches.
HOORAY! Finally! no more tupperware! the hatches just rock!
I was able to put a 7' Baidarka into the hull thru the secondary hatch between my legs.
I was NOT able to do this with the reel attached but that really isnt that big of a deal for me.
I am a little suspiscious of the rubberish seal around the hatches. Doesnt appear very sturdy and may eventaully need a replacement or upgrade. Time will tell.

The aft tank well is HUGE. It could be challenging not to get sucked into the "more room/more gear" trap. Im not sure what WS was considering when they designed the layout of the tank well. It wont hold 2 standard milk crates and its oversized in the area that would hold just 1. I do like the angle that will allow for quicker drainage after getting swamped.

After testing the boats performance, I looked into the hull and to my horrified surprise found water. The boat showed up from WS with a healthy gash in the bow,it will require some asthetic repair, but I didnt find any other flaws. I figured I was going to have to test the boat for leaks back at the lair but then realized that WS had drilled the holes for the rudder assembly. Aarrrgh!
Water leaked in while I was climbing around on the boat and had the back end below the water line.
I really wish WS wouldve let the paddler decide if the boat needs a rudder or not.
Ill plastic weld all 4 holes shut when I make other repairs but Im also considering plugging them with a rivet.

As the pimping team assembles to put this boat through the phases Ill post pictures as it evolves.
Alot can change when we start adding weight but at this point Im very happy with the boat. If only I could be this happy about my experience with WS/confluence as a customer. so lame.
 

Hey, it finally came eh? 

That is a beautiful hunk of kayak. 

I can't wait for you and J to leave me bringing up the rear in B-Port.  All 3 with 160s, we'll own the whole village.

Congrats brother.

Shirkus

Team Bridgeport may have to change the name to Speedport. This may even inspire Moto to finally upgrade from the Bandit.
Its going to be tough to get the boat ready in time for this years trip. One of the big reasons I was so frustrated with WS. 5 months and 3 different arrival dates left me way behind schedule for this summers adventures. I really dont want to rush putting this one together but rather enjoy the pimpin and create something that will make it so worth the wait.
On the other hand this boat paddled soooo sweetly, my T140 may get quickly dubbed as "backup".

Got the unwanted opportunity to test the boats ruggedness. It fell from the pictured loading position.
Im just thankful that none of my friends were there to hear the sound that came out of me.
No damage to the hull except some very minor scratches. good plastic.

nice boat, i got to paddle the 09 t140 and was not impressed with it compared to the earler, first of all i am big and a 140 is small for me but my 08 was nice the 09 the bow was way to low but i loved the seat, not the pockets though. want to sell your dh i got one and love it, all day comfort for me. 

still a work in progress

Love the noodle rod holder idea...that is going into the T13

terry i dont think you have enough pool noodles in there

welcome back btw.

here is the first attempt

welcome back btw.

thanks bmb

welcome back btw.

+1  Absolutely!

It has been mentioned that you might make a return and glad to see it came to fruition.  You've been missed around these parts.  Now hopefully we'll get to see some of the famous crotch ... er ... look away shots!

I'm having a hart time visualizing the last photo.

And I forgot to mention, the new handle is very apropos - that is if you're using the definition I think you are.

great looking boat

Clean lookin boat! I wanna see more shots of the slide trax camera mount...been thinking about making one for my boat. Those slide trax are great--they can be adapted for a lot of different things, like a crabpot pulley or downrigger base. I like the poolnoodle doubleduty as rod holders too. I'll probably copy that if ya don't mind.
Thanks for the updated pics of your T160!


ps the Seahags are goin' down on Sunday! 

Very nice!  I really like the set-up, very clean lines.  What speed were you getting out of the kayak?  I have been playing around with upgrading my prowler to a Tarpon 160 or Hobie Adventure for a little more range.  Not sure if the Hobie is worth the extra 1000 dollars though!  Great review!

Matt

Not sure if the Hobie is worth the extra 1000 dollars though!  Great review!

Matt

it is!

Beautiful boat.