Cobra Fish and Dive VS. Tarpon 140

Hey folks,

I've been a lurker for quite some time (no kayak, lifelong rafter, driftboater, fisherman, etc.) and have narrowed my choices down to two boats.  I've paddled a plethora of boats and like the qualities, features of these two but before I pull the proverbial trigger, I would love some imput from those who own one or both.  An unusual question but........ what do you like the LEAST about these two boats?  Lay it on me.....the bad and the ugly.  Thanks!  Glad I found this site and hope to meet you folks on the water in the years to come.

Those are two VERY different kayaks!  G'luck with your quest!

I wish my tarpon had some sort of storage/organization option inside the hatch just forward of the seat.  When I get around to it, I'll figure something out, but I wish there was something already set up.

Storage hasn't been the funnest issue - I had to get two 10 foot pieces of 1.25" pipes to keep the hull from bending over time.  (mine is 16 foot though)  I HAD to store mine the bottom and not the sides though.

I think though, both of those problems will exist with any kayak.

Hey folks,

I've been a lurker for quite some time (no kayak, lifelong rafter, driftboater, fisherman, etc.) and have narrowed my choices down to two boats.  I've paddled a plethora of boats and like the qualities, features of these two but before I pull the proverbial trigger, I would love some imput from those who own one or both.  An unusual question but........ what do you like the LEAST about these two boats?  Lay it on me.....the bad and the ugly.  Thanks!  Glad I found this site and hope to meet you folks on the water in the years to come.

I've never used a Cobra fish & dive, but I think performance wise, the tarpon is pretty tough to beat. It's a little more efficient than most SOT's, and it's comfy. I can't really think of much I don't like about the Tarpon honestly.

F&D:  Its a workout to paddle and move around.  Its slow to turn, its mass makes it more suspeptable to wind drift.

T140: No clue. Never paddled one.  I did however have one of the rubber hatch covers fly off while driving. (H.O.W. event)
Brian

You're asking for a comparison of two of the most dis-similar yaks made.  I think it's going to come down to what you want it for.

F&D (aka 6cyl Chevy Suburban) 
It's got lots of room, lots of storage and in a pinch you could easily sleep in it.  I really liked the big, well sealed, mid hatch and being able to troll while sitting cross legged.  It tracks really well but takes some space or practice to turn around.  As for paddling, you'd best be ripped like Pelagic or you're not going to cover much ground very quickly (not really necessary most times).  Also, when quartering against a current, the keel that makes it track so well is gonna be your worst enemy.

Tarpon (aka Mazda Miata)
She's damn pretty and built for speed.  If you're going to be covering miles without the need to access a lot of gear, this is the ride.  If you're going to fish it, you'll need to spend the time to optimize rigging and external storage (like kykfshr did). 

I love my Fish-n-Dive but it would be nice to add a Tarpon to my stable.

-Mark-

Thanks for the input thus far.  I was pretty set on the Tarpon 140 but I really like the jump seat / extra width and stability of the Fish N Dive.  Of course I've heard about it's barge like qualities.  I have a couple of little ones that love to fish but aren't old or big enough to paddle their own boats.  The extra seat and stability of the Fish N Dive do strike a chord with me especially if I have a stow-away on board.  I loved the Tarpon I paddled ('09) model.  But I wondered if it had enough stability for a stow-away.  Anyways, thanks again. 

Thanks for the input thus far.  I was pretty set on the Tarpon 140 but I really like the jump seat / extra width and stability of the Fish N Dive.  Of course I've heard about it's barge like qualities.  I have a couple of little ones that love to fish but aren't old or big enough to paddle their own boats.  The extra seat and stability of the Fish N Dive do strike a chord with me especially if I have a stow-away on board.  I loved the Tarpon I paddled ('09) model.  But I wondered if it had enough stability for a stow-away.  Anyways, thanks again. 

The F-n-D is an awesome boat for stow-aways!  I've had lots of fun fishing out of it with my kids tagging along.  I've actually taken mine out with 2 9 y/o's AND a 5 y/o at the same time.

I paddle a F'n'D and really like it. Spot nailed all my complaints. I have a six year old daughter than walks around that boat like a cruise ship when we are on the water. plus she has her own high backed jump seat all the way up front, so she gets a comfy dry ride while dad gets soaked under the paddle. Also I can stand and fish in it when I start to get "yak back". She is a beast to push around, but if I could only own one boat this would be it for me. I am buying a second boat this spring that is a bit more performance oriented for my solo paddles.

So, tell me about surf launches in a F N D?  Complaints?  I'd imagine with all the surface area, if you don't keep straight you could get huli'd pretty easy?

So, tell me about surf launches in a F N D?  Complaints?  I'd imagine with all the surface area, if you don't keep straight you could get huli'd pretty easy?

The F-n-D is a great surf boat (as far as fishing SOT's go).  A lot of people sing its praises on other sites.  If you want to maximize it's surf launch/landing potential, get the thigh straps.

-Mark-

Why thigh straps... what do they do?

They allow you better control of the boat by enabling you to more efficiently use the edges of the boat and lean into waves.

have yet to surf launch mine, but I can't imagine what it would take to turn her over.

Spot hit it on the head perfectly, I consider mine a 3/4 ton Ford pickup (Ford guy ),  It is a little slow but I have had mine 3 miles offshore and felt safe and comfortable.  I can stand on it no problem and with a 600lb weight limit I have yet to overload it.  I have hulied in the surf plenty but once outside the surf zone/flat water I have never hulied, its damn stable. I like them so much I have two .  Cobra has a new yak, the "pro fisherman" that looks interesting.