Pulling the trigger

Yeah, I checked them out already.

Hey, we just crossed into them realm of "hot topic"!!  Not bad for a newb.  Uh, that's a joke... just in case my sarcasm isn't coming through the Matrix.

Backslider

Hey, a first for me as well, and I'm a newbie too.

Good luck with the purchase, you must be excited.

Post some pics, I'm going to have to live through you for a while.

Sure thing.

OK.  I  pulled the trigger and bought the T160.  Stopped by Wind Toys today for a "sit and feel"... let me tell you, it felt GOOD.  Wilderness Systems must have snuck in the house one night while I was sleeping and made a mold of my a$$ because that formed-in seat sure felt like a perfect fit (we'll see after my first six hour day on the water).  Also, there was plenty of leg room.  As I said before, I'm six-six... I moved the foot rests out to the last position, climbed in, and again had that GOOD feeling.  One thing that really impressed me was the sensation of "largeness".  I demoed an X-Factor, which we all know is a friggin' huge kayak with mucho room and a 33-inch beam, and yet, the Tarpon, with its 28-inch beam, felt every bit as roomy... and I didn't have that "oh my god, this thing is friggin huge... how'm I going to cartop this?" feeling nagging me (the T sure didn't feel like 65 pounds).  Now, I'm not newb enough to believe that the primary stability of the T is anywhere close to that of the X, but I'm sure the trade-off in speed will more than make up for that anyday, and the secondary stability should be WAY better (isn't it non-existent on the X).  Ok.  Ok.  I'm getting way off-focus.  Can you tell I'm excited?

I didn't immediately discover any glaring defects or deficiencies... duh, probably wouldn't have bought the thing.  I will say that I'm not terribly blown away with the construction of the foot brace assembly.  It's kind of crappy plastic that looks like it'll break the first time I get it in rough water (I'm sure I'm being too harsh).  I work with a couple of guys that are aluminum wizards... probably have them whip out an improved version.  Also, the rod-holder layout might be interesting.  There's a couple of spots right behind the seat for flushmounts (which I don't like), but not a whole lot of flat angles up front that are within easy reach.  I was thinking of using those little round Scotty flush mount bases with height extenders.  Anyone use this set-up?

Anyway, I won't have a chance to paddle this baby for a lengthy run until Tuesday at the earliest, but more like next Sunday at the latest.  I'll be sure to post my impressions after putting some hours on it.

Backslider

Congratulations! You must be excited ! After all the homework that you did, I'm sure that you'll be very happy with your choice.

I agree with Mooch's assesment of the P15 and the T160.
Whenever I access a front or rear hatch I straddle my kayak and scoot forward to get to it. I don't like hanging both feet over the same side to get to anything. I throws off my balance. I don't mind 'bench sitting' on my kayak, but not when I am trying to get to something.
On my T160 I do a complete turn around so I am facing the stern while straddling the kayak. Makes it a lot easier for me to get to what I need and stay balanced that way. This is my personal preference and for me it works.
My biggest complaint about my P15 is how wet of a ride it is regardless of conditions.
The T160 will have waves coming over the sides, but it doesn't affect the performance. I have had mine in wind waves so bad the bow would dive into the wave and the wave would come crashing over the top of me over and over again. The T160 still sliced through it with no probs.
I like the hatches of the older T160's. I don't like the rubbermaid hatches at all. Too much of a pain to deal with on the sea.

Hi Tote,

I like the old hatches too.  The rubbermaid style just doesn't seem as safe as three buckles and straps per hatch.  Mine is the older design (non-"i") with no tankwell.

I like what you said about the T's performance in rough conditions compared to the P15.  I've read elsewhere that people have questioned its (the T's) abilities, and have said that the Prowler was the way to go.  I figured it was a toss-up.  I guess I'll find out this winter sturgeon fishing San Pablo Bay and next salmon season trolling around Bodega Bay.

I played around in the shop trying to access the rear hatch without turning around.  My arms are long enough that it'll work... I'm not sure how feasible that kind of action will be on the water... we'll see.  I may rework the middle strap on the hatch so that there's an attachment from the inside ala the Hobie hatches... that'll make it alittle easier to keep the hatch lined up.  I hadn't thought of turning all the way around and straddling the boat... I'm sure I'll find that MUCH easier, even with long arms.

I'm going to scour the site for pictures of your 160... I'd like to get some input on deck layout, anchor system, etc.  I won't actually be doing any real fishing until I'm 100% confident in my abilities as a kayaker... that might take something like six or seven years... but at least I'll have a good idea when I'm ready to put some holes in the boat.

Thanks,

Backslider

I am very partial to the X-Factor, but I would like to try Tarpon 160 just to see how much faster it is.  For me the X-factor is plenty fast for what I do, but If I ever got into doing some long range salmon trips a faster kayak would be nice.  The thought of waves splashing over the side is kinda scarry though.  What is the difference in speed of the P15 vs. Tarpon160 vs. Marauder?  I would love to see a kayak like the T160 with hatches like the X-Factor.  That would be sweet!  Then you don't have to worry about using the front hatch on the water really.  Why can't some straps be added over the front hatch on the new Tarpon 160?  It seems like it would be easy enough to do.

Why can't some straps be added over the front hatch on the new Tarpon 160? It seems like it would be easy enough to do.

A lot of people DO add straps to the front hatches of the new T160.  I think you almost have to just to keep the hatches on. 

I am very partial to the X-Factor

Don't get me wrong... I think the X is a great boat (not that I can pretend to judge such a thing) , just not for me.  I was looking for something a little more "sporty"... I might add some thigh straps and start carving turns... I don't think that's an easy thing to do on the X.

Backslider

I personally do not know of anyone who uses thigh braces on a larger kayak. I certainly have never heard of anyone who uses them on a regular basis.

Hmmm, I don't know of any reason not too.  I figure anything that gives you more contact with and control of your kayak can't be a bad thing... and it's not like you're locked in them if you flip.

Backslider

Always trying to streamline. I don't think there is enough of an advantage to warrent the extra gear. Just my .02.

Hi Tote,

I'm sure you're right.  I just thought it'd be fun to experiment a little with them.  I mean, some of those guys in the SINKs can do pretty amazing things with turns and braces and what-not... why not get the Tarpon up to speed, crank her over on her side, and wail right through a wicked carve?  I'm sure there's no merit to doing it while salmon trolling, but hey, you never know when the skill might be needed... or maybe you just want to show off a little bit.

Backslider

Its interesting to me that no one says anything about the Manta Rays the 12 and 14 is very fast, tracks very well, has lots of leg room and lot of storage room. Is it because its only been out for a year now or is it something I am unaware of comments ???

Pat R