Want to get into the scene...

hi Yak'rs!

New to NCKA and was looking into picking up a kayak.... Now... I have ready alot of the posts, seen alot of mods/upgrades and I know the best way that one should select one is by test riding them out.... but (as most of my friends know) free time is extremely rare.

Looking real hard at purchasing a WS Tarpon 160 and want to know you Pro/Cons on this yak vs yours.

Here's some info on me:
1.) Like the best toys on the market; (ie quality, functionality)
2.) Like to upgrade and/or add mods (ie electronics and gadgets)
3.) Easy to use; but won't get bored of it.
4.) Mostly close shore ocean fishing; with some lake and delta use.
5.) 5'-6", 190lbs; haven't exercised in years (have mostly powered toys; boat, bikes, etc..
6.) Need to be able to strap it to my RV.

Thanks!!!

haven't exercised in years

You'll want a Hobie then.   

Just kidding - I'm actually jealous of the Hobie users...  Maybe it'll feel natural when I try that pedaling thing again. 

As for a T160, I've heard they're good boats.  Long and slender would be my impression of them, but I'm no expert.  I like having craploads of deck/well space and extreme over-stability, so I'm on an X-Factor.  Whatever you get, good luck, and welcome to NCKA.

 

The Tarpon 160 is a very nice boat. The design is very fast, and the quality is great. Two things to think about:  It's a pretty long boat to store, if space is limited, you may want to look at smaller boats. Second:  A sixteen foot boat can be paddled without a rudder, but you should definitely consider using a rudder with a boat this long. That adds expense and complexity, and parts that may get damaged in surf launches. I'm not trying to steer you away from this boat; just thinking of pros and cons. Simplicity is a big part of the appeal of fishing from a kayak.

Try the Tarpon 140 for comparisons sake. It's a great boat. Ocean Kayak makes the Prowler series, and these should be considered as well. Try to paddle the Prowler 13, Prowler 15, and maybe the trident.

Good luck, and welcome!

Welcome to the board G-Whiz.  I'm sure you will get lots of responses from Tarpon owners here.

Hey Eric,

Be nice to us Hobie owners.  We're not a bunch of out-of-shape yakers  

Hey Eric,

Be nice to us Hobie owners.  We're not a bunch of out-of-shape yakers 

I know, Sonny - my off the cuff comment relates to my inner self feeling that it's easier to cover ground in a Hobie, based on my observations over the years.  Hence the jealousy!   

Get a T15, great boat

haven't exercised in years

...  I like having craploads of deck/well space and extreme over-stability, so I'm on an X-Factor. 

 

okay.... just got done looking at the "Malibu Kayak" site.... now I want an X-Factor!  like that it has alot of accessories available... carries the same amount of weight, but is almost 2' shorter.... thanks Blk Ab!

Any of the major players have great boats. Wilderness, Malibu, Hobie and Ocean Kayak. If you are looking to buy new you should have no problem. Used may be harder to locate some makes/models. It looks like one of the major 'issues' will be loading on an RV. I assume on top? That may make some of the 15+ foot boats a bit of a monster to deal with. I don't think any of your criteria forces your hand (other then loading on a RV). If you do get a Malibu, OK or WS the one accessory you'll have to add is humility as the Hobie guys will blow past you....hahaha. 

... one accessory you'll have to add is humility as the Hobie guys will blow past you....hahaha. 

Not one for speed, more of a cruiser; but maybe if a add an outboard attachment to my x-factor, I'll catch them Hobies...

also, saw one of the guys load 2 yaks on top his RV; looking to do the same...

I know the best way that one should select one is by test riding them out.... but (as most of my friends know) free time is extremely rare.

There is no substitute for test paddling.  Don't cut corners as you might regret it later.

BTW, best of luck in your pursuit and look forward to meeting you on the water.  Oh, and WTTM!

Try to paddle the Prowler 13, Prowler 15

I've gone through several yaks over the years and I've stuck to the Prowler 15. It's lighter compared to most kayaks manufactured these days and paddles great. The Prowler 13 is worth looking at as well. The P-15 also has a lot of flat areas to mount a Fish Finder and an extra rod holder up front. Ocean Kayaks is phasing out this model so there should be a lot of great deals for a new one. Good luck and welcome to the madness!

Try to paddle the Prowler 13, Prowler 15

I've gone through several yaks over the years and I've stuck to the Prowler 15. It's lighter compared to most kayaks manufactured these days and paddles great. The Prowler 13 is worth looking at as well. The P-15 also has a lot of flat areas to mount a Fish Finder and an extra rod holder up front. Ocean Kayaks is phasing out this model so there should be a lot of great deals for a new one. Good luck and welcome to the madness!

I take it they are phasing out the T15 cause of the new 4. whatever it was called yak?

The T160 is a fast boat, as such it has a long slender hull which is great for speed, tracking and glide.  It isn't great for primary stability though.  If you're a comfort kinda guy thats lookin to stack up gadgets, work multiple rods and rig to the teeth with bait tanks and tackle boxes full of stuff I'd look into other boats. I've used mine for long distance missions and snotty conditions where I can get home fast if I needed to.  I should also note that WS put the drain plug in the stupidest place possible and if left out will result in sinking of the whole damn boat......ask me how I know.

I've also owned a Prowler 15 and a Trident 15.  I think the Trident 13 might be more suited to your needs. 

As others have mentioned they are among the fastest and narrowst SOT-style kayaks...  perhaps The fastest and narrowest.

IMO it all depends on how much paddling vs fishing you plan to do.

Personally I rarely paddle more than a few miles, and do more fishing than paddling, so I choose comfort over speed.

whatever you get, be sure to get a waterproof camera w/it!!  &WTTMadness= you're already 1/2 way there.