Wilderness Systems weights

Hey guys I've been looking at the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 14 and Ride 135, and the Ocean Kayak Trident 13. The one thing holding me back on the WS boats is the weights. Why are they so much heavier?

Heavier than what boat?  What are you comparing them to?  Some manufacturers list their boat weights without the seats, rudders, handles, etc.  which can make them lighter on paper, but not lighter in reality.

Compare a tarpon 120 to a T13. The wider design of the ride makes it a heavier boat.

I'm comparing the Ocean Kayak Trident 13, which is 13.5' and 67lbs, and the Wilderness Systems Ride 135 which is the same length, 2 inches wider, but 84lbs. 

My guess is there is no standard, some measure ready to go, others measure based on the kayak alone, no seat, hatch covers etc.

I was just wondering if Wilderness Systems used a different plastic or more of it or something.

I should also add, I don't understand why the Wilderness System yaks have a much lower weight capacity as well.

I'm comparing the Ocean Kayak Trident 13, which is 13.5' and 67lbs, and the Wilderness Systems Ride 135 which is the same length, 2 inches wider, but 84lbs. 

My guess is there is no standard, some measure ready to go, others measure based on the kayak alone, no seat, hatch covers etc.

I was just wondering if Wilderness Systems used a different plastic or more of it or something.

If you see a ride 135, tarpon 120, and OC T13 side by side you will see the difference. The ride is wider and and probably taller. It's built more for lateral stability than the other two. It will not paddle was well but will feel less tippy, especially if you haven't spent a lot of time in kayaks. I believe that you can even stand and cast from the rides. How much do you weight and what type of water do you want to use it in? Some of the bigger guys aren't fans of how low the tapons sit when fully loaded. I'm 165 lbs or so and have no issues in my tarpon 120 but some of the guys that are in the 220+ range have had some issues. Really the best thing to do is demo all three boats, do you live close to a shop?

I should also add, I don't understand why the Wilderness System yaks have a much lower weight capacity as well.

It's due to the overall design of the kayak. Some of the engineer types can probably provide you with more details but I would think it has to do with the length, width, and displacement of the kayaks.