120 tarpon.. Total Disapointment..

J,

Sorry that ride didn't work out for you. Somebody your size probably needs to look for a Cobra or a Malibu.

Two things everyone looking to buy their first kayak can take away from your sour experience. Firstly DEMO! Try before you buy. All good shops will let you take it for a spin. I know it can be more difficult to find a good shop if you don't live in or near a major population center. Small shops in smaller towns have pressure to turn inventory. If you don't buy a boat from Next Adventure, Outdoorplay or Kayak Shed, somebody else will next week. A good shop won't pressure you, even if you special order a kayak, they would rather have a customer that's happy with their purchase and one who will refer friends than someone disappointed.

Secondly, everybody should fish their new kayak once, even twice STOCK. You shouldn't drill and cut and add extras until you see how the kayak performs under the conditions you will be fishing in. This also gives you better prospective to better locate/arrange the extras you want to add.

With the nice weather comes the season where people buy and upgrade. If your local retailer won't give you satisfaction go try some more kayaks, then keep an eye on CL and the classifieds here. Don't get discouraged, you'll find a platform that's right for you and hopefully you won't be out too much of your initial investment.

Secondly, everybody should fish their new kayak once, even twice STOCK. You shouldn't drill and cut and add extras until you see how the kayak performs under the conditions you will be fishing in. This also gives you better prospective to better locate/arrange the extras you want to add.

This is the biggest mistake lots of guys make.  Go fish, and catch a few fish in your kayak naked (no modifications not in the buff).  When you're out there, you'll say "hmmm....it sure would be nice if I had a (name of product) right here.  So that's where you put it.  Instead lots of guys jut start poking holes everywhere.  Kayaks don't look good with silicon plugged holes in them.

And SOT kayaks are designed to ride with a little water in them.  My outback is rated for 400 lbs and I still get a little in it.  Sounds like you need a new PA

Two things everyone looking to buy their first kayak can take away from your sour experience. Firstly DEMO! Try before you buy. All good shops will let you take it for a spin. I know it can be more difficult to find a good shop if you don't live in or near a major population center. Small shops in smaller towns have pressure to turn inventory. If you don't buy a boat from Next Adventure, Outdoorplay or Kayak Shed, somebody else will next week. A good shop won't pressure you, even if you special order a kayak, they would rather have a customer that's happy with their purchase and one who will refer friends than someone disappointed.

Secondly, everybody should fish their new kayak once, even twice STOCK. You shouldn't drill and cut and add extras until you see how the kayak performs under the conditions you will be fishing in. This also gives you better prospective to better locate/arrange the extras you want to add.

With the nice weather comes the season where people buy and upgrade. If your local retailer won't give you satisfaction go try some more kayaks, then keep an eye on CL and the classifieds here. Don't get discouraged, you'll find a platform that's right for you and hopefully you won't be out too much of your initial investment.

Again I was sent a non angler , I asked for an Angler model, All I added was the missing items.

Sage advice from Ling Banger, Kenai & Rawkfish +4......DemoDEMOdemo.

jgrady,

I'm sorry the Tarpon 120 isn't working out for you. Call me today and we will take care of you.

Derek

Call me today and we will take care of you.

jgrady,

I'm sorry the Tarpon 120 isn't working out for you. Call me today and we will take care of you.

Derek

Big thumbs up!

Now that's what we're talking about. QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! 

Agree on the excellent customer service from the Kayak Shed in Hood River.
It pays to deal with a small, locally owned  business.
I have purchased two Outback, Trailex trailer and numerous Hobie extras from them....same great service. 

Thank you Derek I will call you later this morning..Let Me Say The Kayak is a Fine Kayak (for a smaller Person)and The Kayak Shed service has been  Great too , Its just like to small a shoe. Don't ever order shoe's over the internet..

jgrady,

I'm sorry the Tarpon 120 isn't working out for you. Call me today and we will take care of you.

Derek

Aaaaaand that's why I bought my Outback from kayak shed. Thank you Derek.


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To quote Marty Short's Ed Grimley character, "That's awfully decent of you, I must say."

Thanks for hooking a brother up D-Rock!

This thread is the reason I keep up with this site.  You guys rock!  J I'm sorry for the disappointments.   Everything happens for a reason whether you see it now or later something good will come from this whole ordeal.  It sounds like you are in good hands, and hope to hear how things go.

+1. I'd travel the 150 miles to Hoody to support a business that supports their customers or potential customers like that!