hey guys, I think i found my first yak…its an 05’ WS Tarpon 140 angler, after reading a ton of reviews, the main issues are the weight and wet scuppers at the feet( this guys has the plugs so I guess that will fix it) any thoughts or concerns I need to know about? ANyone know the main changes from 2005 til the current model? I’m 5’10 230lbs so i figured I will like the bigger boat. I will MAINLY flaot freshwater rivers BUT plan to do more fishing on the coast once I get a Yak…
The older Tarpon has rubber hatch covers instead of the Orbix cam lock. It has a molded plastic seat pan with a foam cover where the new one has the Phase 3 seat with multiple adjustments. The new one also has the Slide Trax mounting system for adding accessories, molded in recessed areas for keeping small items like bags of soft plastics, sunscreen etc. The hull went through a redesign where they added volume way forward in the bow and behind the seat to make for a drier ride.
My feeling is the older version is just a tiny bit faster than the new one. The old style rubber hatch covers do a better job keeping water out than the Orbix hatches do. ALl in all it’s a really nice paddling boat and you can improve the seat with a gel pad.
Take a look at the boat and make an on site decision.
As for things to look for.
Start with the serial number on the boat. The last 2 digits are the year of manufacture. Plenty of folks may mistakenly represent a boat as newer than it really is… the serial number doesn’t lie. You can usually find it engraved on a pad at the stern of the boat.
My biggest fear is a cracked hull. Older boats had problems with the scuppers cracking, so look it over closely. Some boats also had problems with the lip in front of the seat cracking… not mentioning any names, so do a google search and you’ll find plenty of info. Lots of them were replaced under warranty and the hulls should have been destroyed…
you’ll occasionally find one where the serial number was cut out and a patch welded in. RUN AWAY FROM THESE
scratches are normal, worn out keels from being drug on concrete are not. press on deep scratches, gouges and drag marks to be sure there’s plenty of yak left.
sun damage can kill polyethylene. a dry faded boat should be avoided. If it looks faded press on the hull to see if it still has plenty of flex. I’ve seen some really bad ones that just cracked when you pressed on them… not cool.
Don’t pay 75 to 90% of retail unless the boat is in like new condition.
I did for $500 he said $525 ill be able to sell the paddle, im not sure of the model but i dont need it…ive done alot of searching, and feel good about this boat. but im nervous too as i have very little experience with yaks
The paddle is worth $40 to $50 used if it still breaks down to 2 pieces; stuck it’s worth a little less.
You should be able to buy it, use it, and sell it for a break even if you aren’t happy with how it paddles. If it passes the stuff I outlined earlier, you should be OK
I have the same kayak in blue although mine may be a year or two older, I can’t remember exactly when I got it. I like it a lot. I will agree it is a little wet but I don’t mind water around my feet. The biggest complaint I had was water pooling in the seat area. I put an Ocean Kayak seat on mine. Keeps me out of the water and it is much more comfortable.
There’s a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot.
I own Too busy’s old 140. Get it! Fast, stable boat. plug the scupper holes with foam practice golf balls. I’ve taken mine to the keys, charleston, obx and all over virginia. no complaints here except the seat can get a little uncomfortable after 3-4 hours of paddling
