OK Prowler vs Wilderness Tarpon 140

[oif vet27]

Ok so hopefully I can get a few replies and help this time around..

I am currently researching and researching and researching some more for the right kayak to buy. I narrowed my choices to a ocean kayak prowler 13 or wilderness tarpon 140. I checked out the tarpon 140 and I was impressed by everything it has to offer. Huge storage space behing seat, a extremely comfortable seat, 2 hatches, and the slidetrax things are a great idea as well to hook up many things without putting holes on boat. I know the prowler 13 is a very favored yak by countless people and already checked one out in person but need to take a second look to notice all the little details.

So anyone have there opinions on both, if you have had experience with both I want your input please.!! This kayak will be for freediving/spearfishing.

Thanks for any help.

Wilderness Tarpon 140

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k51/daone527/tarpon-140.jpg


OK Prowler 13

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k51/daone527/prowler_13T_angler.jpg

[Diablo Loco]

What do you plan on using it for? Diving or fishing? For fishing, the Prowler is better. But for freediving, I would go with the Tarpon 160 and not the 140. I am a big Tarpon fan. I use mine for freediving. What i can tell you is that with the 140, you will not be able to fit larger guns into the hatch. I own a Tarpon 160 and I use mostly euros, so my 90cm will only fit if I remove the shaft. I have tried to put my 110cm into the hatch with the shaft removed and it still will not fit. You are from Florida, so i would imagine you use larger length guns. If these guns do not fit into my 160, then they would definitely not fit into a 140. Just food for thought. :thumps::toast:

[hau]

But for freediving, I would go with the Tarpon 160 and not the 140. I am a big Tarpon fan. I use mine for freediving. What i can tell you is that with the 140, you will not be able to fit larger guns into the hatch. I own a Tarpon 160 and I use mostly euros, so my 90cm will only fit if I remove the shaft. I have tried to put my 110cm into the hatch with the shaft removed and it still will not fit. You are from Florida, so i would imagine you use larger length guns. If these guns do not fit into my 160, then they would definitely not fit into a 140. Just food for thought. :thumps::toast:

X2
The above is perfect and accurate intel
Though IMO, I would buy a scupper pro.
"scupper pro gives u wings" :D

[Diablo Loco]

X2
The above is perfect and accurate intel
Though IMO, I would buy a scupper pro.
"scupper pro gives u wings" :D

Scuppers are nice, as I had one for over 3 years, but the Tarpons are much more stable. The only advantage to a Scupper is that you can stow a lot of gear, but you sacrifice stability at 26" width. :toast:

[oif vet27]

Thanks for the advice guys..

Diablo I will be doing mostly freediving spearfishing, I have a RA 110 but am too bothered by the fact I won't be able to stow in hatch the tarpon does have those paddle bungees and I would add reinforcements.

Hau I've looked into the scupper pro and those are a favorite but I do need the stability, I am 6'2" 205 and gaining, I do a lot of lifting. The more stable the better.

I will keep all advice in mind when making my observations. Tommorow I will be trying to go look at a prowler.

[ryddragyn]

The rod pod is reason enough to get the Prowler. You can grab your fins, gun, and weight belt out of it without getting out of your seat.

[freedivingfool]

The tarpon is heavy as heck the Prowler is no more than 60lbs. So you're gonna be regretting the weight lugging that thing down the beach or off your car rack. Plus I have a prowler 13 and i can fit a 7ft fishing rod in there with no issues. Actually in can fit almost 5 of my fishing poles in there Plus freedive fins and a speargun.

[paddow]

I have the tarpon 160 and really like freediving on it.I've only been using it for a couple of months ,but i use it 2-3x a week. Its fast and stable.I put my
38" gun with the shaft in down the hatch, also my 7' polespear. along with my other gear
It is heavy as hell. But once i got a system down for putting it on the truck, it goes pretty easy.a good cart helps! I'm 6', 210lbs and it sounds like your a pretty big guy also, you shouldnt have much trouble.Just like anything, system seems to be key. All that being said ,the prowler sounds really nice also.

[Mantajay]

A big plus of the tarpon though is it comes with a rudder.A definate must if your out in blue water in wind and waves.The cost of a good rudder is atleast $200 add that to the prowler cost and it doesnt compare.Tarpon is super stable with tri-hull design you can heave yourself out of the water with ease and not worry about dumping your gear:thumps:

[CC spearer561]

Some great info here. Im also looking in a yak for free diving. Im 6'6 245, any other info for me for a yak?

[Diablo Loco]

A big plus of the tarpon though is it comes with a rudder.A definate must if your out in blue water in wind and waves.The cost of a good rudder is atleast $200 add that to the prowler cost and it doesnt compare.Tarpon is super stable with tri-hull design you can heave yourself out of the water with ease and not worry about dumping your gear:thumps:

Sorry, but the Tarpon's do not come with a rudder. They cost additional. :toast:

[Mantajay]

Actually this year the 140 angler and 160 do come with rudder's this year!
http://www.wildernesssystems.com/product_subcategory/index/angling/angling_kayaks/angler_tarpon

[Diablo Loco]

Actually this year the 140 angler and 160 do come with rudder's this year!
http://www.wildernesssystems.com/product_subcategory/index/angling/angling_kayaks/angler_tarpon

They have that same picture for the past 3 years in their catalog. The picture just shows the unit with a rudder. A rudder is always optional. :toast:

[sriver]

Both great boats but the prowler is more stable(wider and hull design). Tarpon is more efficent( goes further per paddle stroke)Just so you know all Ocean Kayaks sold now on are lifetime warranty on hull just like Wilderness Systems has always been. You cant go wrong with either , I would try both and see what one fits your body better. tarpon has a better seat but I have seen people that it does not fit. Prowler seat needs to be upgraded. big IMO...

[towedjumper]

I have a tarpon 12 for freedive spearing and I wish I had sprung for the 16. It's a great boat.

[Ron S]

I have both the OC Scupper Pro and the Prowler 13. However my 13 is the basic model that only has the front hatch, and not all the fancy stuff shown in your photo. It's a great little boat for diving and fishing, however it's not terribly fast, even carrying my 180 pound carcass. I much prefer my Scupper. It's tippier, but faster and more fun to paddle. However I feel like I'm at about the upper weight limit for that boat to perform well. If I were your size, I'd be looking at the Prowler 15 and the Tarpon 16, not the two shorter boats. Much more pleasant to paddle, faster, and more stable. Only downside to the bigger boats is that they're heavier to carry, but it sounds like lifting and carrying heavy boats wouldn't be the problem for you that it is for me.;)
One thing I will say is that looking at the Tarpons that Bryan and others use, they appear to be outfitted better than OC boats. Better seats, footrests, hatches, etc. All that comes at the cost of additional weight however.
Best advice you can get is to go demo/paddle several boats, and do it on a few different days. What may be perfect for someone else, or sound perfect on paper, may not feel the best to you.
Ron.

[oif vet27]

Thanks for all the tips and advice. Afyermarket much debate I have decided to go with........ The OK prowler. It is a tough choice being that both offer plenty of good features but the ok seems to be the better fit. That rod pod did make the choice easier, the ability to have my gun and gear secured safely inside and accessible from a seated position is a major plus. I really like the tarpon and what it has to offer but ok seems like the better choice.

Now to decide 13 or 15 haha...

Thanks again for all your input

[Diablo Loco]

Thanks for all the tips and advice. Afyermarket much debate I have decided to go with........ The OK prowler. It is a tough choice being that both offer plenty of good features but the ok seems to be the better fit. That rod pod did make the choice easier, the ability to have my gun and gear secured safely inside and accessible from a seated position is a major plus. I really like the tarpon and what it has to offer but ok seems like the better choice.

Now to decide 13 or 15 haha...

Thanks again for all your input

Go with the 15. It will track better and you will be able to fit longer guns into the hold. You will regret it later if you buy the 13. :toast: