Tarpon 140 vs Tarpon 160i

I've never clocked it but, if there was a race between a 16'hobie mirage-drive and a t-160, my money would be on the hobie. That said, i believe the hull-design on the tarpons is superior. i wish i could put a mirage-drive in my tarpon.

I've come to own an '09 Tarpon 140 for some months now. I freak'n love this boat.

I purchased the 140 as my first kayak over the 160 for these reasons:
> The 140 seems more cross-compatible with various water situations. It's a fine boat at sea yet still short enough to maneuver & ride light surf, & its smaller size would be advantageous in river/stream places.
> It's slightly less awkward loading/unloading onto a car by yourself.
>It was a little less expensive ~ although Outback Adventures has been giving a good deal on the 160, separating the price by only around $100.

That being said, I want a 160 also! I know it's a faster boat and has a greater capacity to carry stuff.

In both cases the '09's are sweat & you'd probably end up smiling riding either boat - the new orbix hatches, phase 3 seats, mouting rails, the potential accessories like the sideboard and the transducer deployment arm, etc. And I use the little rubber net pockets in the cockpit all the time. These are MTF'ing great boats. Oh and I've stuffed a 6' bass rod w/ baitcast reel into the center hatch, in & out no prob. Bigger stuff not as easy as a rod pod. Not to knock any OK's out there, but I came to see the rod pod as a bit of a safety liability.

Good luck on purchasing the new boat.