Wilderness Tarpon 160?

[GrumpyOleFart]

Does anyone own one?
I love kayaks, and my Babe does too.
Shoulder and elbow reconstruction are finally complying with my will to get out and about.
We own two Ocean kayaks already, but the daughter will probably use one of those, so my hottie will get my old one.
Are The Tarpon 160's as good people say?
I don't care about choppy water, just want to get where I am going.
It will primarily be on the coastal waters, paddling out to the penguins, dolphins, and seals.
Cheers for any info.

 

[Burning sensation]

I fished from one for 10 years or so and really liked it in the lakes and bays. It was super sleek. The wind didn’t blow it around too badly and it was really fast, but it was kind of a wet ride. I am in and out of the water a lot, so not a big deal most of the time. I sold mine and got a Jackson Kraken 15.5 once I started paddling to the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. I lost a little speed, but gained a lot of accessible dry storage space and stability. Both were needed in my case, but the speed I gave up was nice.

 

[Chief_Rick]

I have a Tarpon 120, Ride 115 and Commander 140.
The Ride and the Commander are really nice for fishing and they are all quality built kayaks. The Tarpon is faster and more maneuverable than the other two but I've never been in a 16'.
I am currently saving for Hobie PA14, though. My shoulders can't take fighting the tides or extended time paddling any more.

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

Thanks for the info.
I bought an immaculate second hand Tarpon 120.
Taking it out today after the range shoot.
Bloke only used it twice, decided it was not for him.
It's got no gravel rash and is spotless.
Been in his garage under cover, for 4 years - $600.
Win, Win.
It's going have a hard life now .
Lots of places to paddle out to.

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

I have a Tarpon 120, Ride 115 and Commander 140.
The Ride and the Commander are really nice for fishing and they are all quality built kayaks. The Tarpon is faster and more maneuverable than the other two but I've never been in a 16'.
I am currently saving for Hobie PA14, though. My shoulders can't take fighting the tides or extended time paddling any more.

Those Hobies are great.
We used to spend days out on Hobie Cat 14's.
So much fun.

 

[Jigstick]

I fished from one for 10 years or so and really liked it in the lakes and bays. It was super sleek. The wind didn’t blow it around too badly and it was really fast, but it was kind of a wet ride. I am in and out of the water a lot, so not a big deal most of the time. I sold mine and got a Jackson Kraken 15.5 once I started paddling to the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. I lost a little speed, but gained a lot of accessible dry storage space and stability. Both were needed in my case, but the speed I gave up was nice.

You paddled 80 miles off shore in the Gulf?

 

[Simonsza1]

Had a tarpon 140 it was great. Held its value also. Seems like you got a decent deal on the 120

 

[Burning sensation]

You paddled 80 miles off shore in the Gulf?

80? No way. I’ve paddled to oil rigs as little as 2 miles from shore. I usually go anywhere from 5-7 miles out because those are more productive.
ETA: I’ve considered going to several rigs I’ve estimated to be 9-12 mile from shore, but then I remember how tiring it is going to rigs 7 miles out, then 7 miles back, and the rules change once you get into federal water.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

I fished from one for 10 years or so and really liked it in the lakes and bays. It was super sleek. The wind didn’t blow it around too badly and it was really fast, but it was kind of a wet ride. I am in and out of the water a lot, so not a big deal most of the time. I sold mine and got a Jackson Kraken 15.5 once I started paddling to the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. I lost a little speed, but gained a lot of accessible dry storage space and stability. Both were needed in my case, but the speed I gave up was nice.

ahh so your one of those guys that we are always rescuing

 

[Burning sensation]

ahh so your one of those guys that we are always rescuing

I’ve never had to be rescued. I have seen people in boats that would not start calling for rescue, though. That can’t be a good feeling.

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

I've managed to get out on the Tarpon 120, both beach and river.
A bit sluggish to start, but once you get a few strokes in, it's a lovely ride.
It's a keeper.