Just when I thought....

So, I wander into the local kayak shop in Bend today and low and behold....there's the Wilderness systems Tarpon 14 (non angling model).  I took a looksy and me like very much. 

http://www.wildernesssystems.com/product/index/products/recreational/recreational_tarpon/tarpon_140_recreational/

Of course, I start doing some reading and found some complaints about the pre-'09 models being wet in the foot wells.  But they made some nice upgrades for '09 to iron out the things people did not like.  They changed the hatch covers (locking) and slightly altered the bow to make it a dryer ride.  They also have a pretty cool slide trax system for accessories (i.e. scotty rod holders, electronics etc.)  While the large hatch is pretty forward, it will comfortably handle rods to 9'.

http://paddlesportsportal.com/wildynews/2009/02/slidetrax-accessory-details-released/

Alder Creek Kayak and Canoes is having a 'demo' day at the end of April so I am going to paddle this vs. the T13 vs. P13 and see the differences. 

Any Tarpon owners out there?  What do you think of them?  Sounds like they listened to the major gripes and made improvements on their 2009 models. 

-SR

 

i own a tarpon 16...i love it...i plugged the scupper holes directly behind the seat so my butt doesnt get wet but i leave the scupper holes open at the feet so any rouge wave water washes out and doesnt fill up the boat...i used wet suit booties so my feet stay toasty anyways...i think its stable and fast...i dont store poles inside cause i am afraid of damage from bashing around down there...a milk crate fits perfect in the rear tank well

If you find yourself at the Alder Creek "Demo" days in April I should be there working the Ocean Kayak booth / kayak fishing seminars.  I'm pretty sure there should be a decent selection of fishing kayaks available including my Trident 13.

Brian

Brian,
That wouldn't be on a Sunday, would it?

I've been specifically asked to work Saturday, but I'll probably be there on Sunday as well.

I've been back a couple of times to oogle at this boat.....oh my lord!  The slide track system is slick, it makes mounting fishfinder's and rod holders a breeze.  It's a drier ride with a re-designed hull/bow.  Great new seat.  Locking hatch covers...I could go on and on.  I am going to wait until after the Alder Creek paddlefest to order so I can paddle the T13 that is so popular here but I think I'm in love with some red Tarpon tupperware.  It's a new boat.... 

If you find yourself at the Alder Creek "Demo" days in April I should be there working the Ocean Kayak booth / kayak fishing seminars.  I'm pretty sure there should be a decent selection of fishing kayaks available including my Trident 13.

Brian

Brian, you're working the one at Vancouver Lake.  Alder Creek also has a paddlefest in Bend the same weekend.

Summit, you should call and make sure they will have the kayaks you want to demo at the paddlefest in Bend.

-Allen

I talked to one of the shop owners a couple of weeks back who said he'd make the call to OK and have a T13 there for me to paddle around on.  I figure I'll go back in this week and mention it again. 

Brian, you're working the one at Vancouver Lake.  Alder Creek also has a paddlefest in Bend the same weekend.

Good point, I didn't realize that.