Tarpon 160I

[cazzy]

Your thoughts on this kayak for spearfishing. I don't know much about kayaks for diving. When I first got into spearfishing I bought all the wrong equipment, don't want to do that again.

[yakfisher]

I don't know anything about spearfishing yet but I am a kayak fisherman and I have three kayaks. The Tarpon 160 is one of the fastest sit on top kayaks made. One of the reasons it is so fast is the the narrow long shape.

If you are athletic and not too heavy then this would be a good kayak for divers who need to travel long distances to dive locations.

If you are extra heavy or not real athletic (for balancing getting in and out then I would say go with a wider kayak. I think the Tarpon is around 28 inches wide.

If you are a strong paddler and or don't have to travel miles to your dive then I would recommend something around 32 inches wide.

If you carry lots of gear you might want to consider a tandem that can be used as a single.

Check out the Tarpon 130. It has seating for one or two, 600 lb capacity and only 13 feet long instead of 16. The drawback to the 130 is that it had very little internal access. Cobra fish and dive is made specifically for diving and you can usually find them on craigslist.

[Holy Mackerel]

I am 6' 200lbs and use the Tarpon 160i good for spearfishing. It may feel tippy initially, but that is your primary stabality, which can be learned like riding a bike. The secondary stability is great. I am not a big fan of slow barge kayaks, this one will get you to your spot which, with effortless glide.

One drawback, is that there is not enough room inside the hull to stow a bigger gun. I just tether everything to the tankwell, shich is actually easier for staging your gun, and gear when you tether to kelps. Below is a picture.

Best advice is to test paddle as many kayaks as you can, before purchasing.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/cmfierro/Favorite%20Dive%20pics/P1010019.jpg

[cubscoutdad]

Great boat. Tracks straight. I own one and a Trident and a Prowler. Tarpon 160 is the fastest SOT on the market in production today. rig some clips or something to hold the gun. The Trident 15 is the finest boat for a spearo ever, but not quite as fast as the Tarpon 160. This is the #2 boat out there for spearing, then the Prowler 15, then the Scupper Pro TW. Just my opinion, but I know you will be happy with a Tarpon 160, I am. Will in Sarasota

[fishyak]

http://www.bcpowerbands.com/Products.html

check out his yak wraps (about 3/4 the way down), i picked up a couple and am happy with them

[Fis_Hunter]

Does the 160 have the drain plug just above the water line on the stern? Or am I thinking of another yak? If it does make sure you put it back before you launch bunch of guys sank them before they noticed the plug was out/.

[erk]

i have the older 160&120 and they both have the drain plugs never had a issue with it .both are great kayaks although i was a little heavy for the 120 at 257 but the 160 is fine
erk

[Holy Mackerel]

The Drain plug was moved up on the 2009 Tarpon 160.

Below is a side by side view of the Tarpon 160i, and the new 2009 Tarpon 160. I just got the '09, but havent rigged it yet. It has a much larger tankwell for dive equimpment. I have never been a stow my equipment, type of kayak fisherman, or diver. I just tether it in the tank well. Previously, I had plenty of room in the older Tarpon 160i, but the larger tankwell in the '09 looks nice. The new boat also has more volume, so it can take a higher payload. FWIW, I have had me 200lbs, bait tank 40lbs, rods n reels, tackle ?lbs, and 52lb WSB on deck and paddled fine on the T-160i.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/cmfierro/Islander%202009/t160.jpg

[LostSoul]

Nice! Where did you buy the 09 from and how much did it cost? I've decided to buy a 160i Angler and i'm looking around for the best deal.

[Holy Mackerel]

Nice! Where did you buy the 09 from and how much did it cost? I've decided to buy a 160i Angler and i'm looking around for the best deal.

Check craigslist... I just sold an Angler, rudder Kayak for $700, worth twice that new, only 1 yr. old.

Also, these shopts carry WS Tarpon kayaks.

http://www.oeexpress.com/

[LostSoul]

Ha! I think I called you right after it sold. Thanks for the info.