Opinions Please: Tarpon 120

I 've got a Scrambler right now I have been looking for something different, and I really want a Prowler, But I saw this boat on Craig's List down In SLO.  It's a 4 year old Tarpon 120 with seat and Paddle for 450 OBO.  looks to be in good shape.  I don't really know anything about them (Tarpons/Wilderness systems) other than It seems like there are quite a few people that paddle them on this site. I would like opinions on whether people would think this is an upgrade from my Scrambler XT  or more like a lateral move?  They seem to have very similar raw dimensions and weight Capacity.  is 450 a good deal? Does anyone know what they retail for new?  Any help/opinions are appreciated.  Thanks DP

I had a T120 for 3 seasons.  It's a good boat.  Paddles well, stable for the width and length.  The price seems pretty good.  I don't think I've paddled the Scrambler so I can't offer a comparison.

Check this out:
http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/review/index2.php?item_id=28

 Seems like the Tarpons  tend to be heavier in weight....

T120 is 60 pounds
T140 = 62 pounds

Cobra Marauder (14 feet in lenght) = 52 pounds (bare hull)
Cobra Tourer (15 feet) = 50 pounds

Prowler 13 = 54 pounds
Prowler 15 = 56 pounds

I tend to lean more on the weight issue cause I have to be able to lift the yak on top of my truck at the end of the day.

Anyway, take you time making your decision. Test paddle before you hand over your money ....don't let a "good deal" win you over - seems like you kayak fish a lot, might as well save a little more and get something you really want 

just my 2 cents / good luck!

Kevin: Thank you for your Opinion.

Mooch: thanks for the advice, I agree with the weight thing as I currently also have to put my yak on the roof of my cherokee, sometimes with rubber arms.
I am going to mull it over but it is looking more and more like I am going to wait and get the boat I really want which is some model of the prowler.   

Thanks again Gents.

I bought a T120 when they were first introduced and used it as my main ride for a year before moving on to the brand new at the time Ocean Kayak P15.

The Tarpons are heavier due to a thicker layup. One thing Wilderness does very well is their nice plastic. The boat doesn't have any soft spots. Also, Mooch is comparing apples to oranges. The T120 (T140 too) comes fully rigged with hatches. Add hatches to the Marauder and the weight discrepancy narrows. Does anyone have a weight for a Marauder as it is typically rigged?

However, I see this as a lateral move for ocean kayak fishing. The 120 rigs better, but it is still a short boat. Moving up to a longer 'yak would be a better choice in my opinion. Also, remember longer boats, although heavier, can actually be easier to handle. You only have to lift one end at a time. 

I agree. Most of the time my launches require a walk with the kayak on wheels so I prefer something lighter. My Dagger cayman weighed about 55 pounds and was 12.5 feet. The tarpon 140 I use now is about 60 pounds with two additional feet of hull, but smokes the cayman on the water, so the extra weight was an acceptable compromise for me. I really do enjoy the stiffness of the hull, it greatly increases response and kayak "feel" IMO.

I've had a T-120 for about 2 years.  I LOVE the boat.  I also have a Scrambler XT.   The tarpon is faster and a lot quieter but, not as stable.  Still plenty stable enough ( I have stood up on it after being dared to).  It just doesn't feel like it's stuck to the water like the scrambler does.

On the tarpon.  If it's an older boat, check the scupper holes just behind the seat with a flashlight.  They frequently have thin spots or pin holes.  No problem, just a little self-vulcanizing rubber tape cures it.  A friend of mine just bought the new version of the 120 and it doesn't have the scuppers behind the seat.  The new models are also being retrofitted with a foam block under the seat to enhance strength.