Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 Angler Fishing Sit-On-Top Kayak

I have owned my Tarpon 140 Angler for a little over a year now. The Tarpon 140 is an absolute pleasure to paddle. It's not the fastest SOT but it is very stable when fighting a fish! And you can really tell than an angler helped design it with all the rod holder options and that great Slide Trax set-up. I've customed mine with the transducer arm and the dashboard for the fishfinder and GPS. I've put a modified milk crate in the big tank well and made my own pvc tube rod holders. I also installed a rudder and got myself a drift anchor for fishing. It's just so easy to tweak the Tarpon 140 to exactly how I want it. I might as well sell my bass boat!

It's important to note that the Tarpon 140 was redesigned in 2009. The newer models are much drier. Most of the reviews for this boat are for the older design. Also, the boat comes with scupper plugs now, so you can plug the holes before going out on flat water and not let any water in the boat at all. If some gets in, just remove the plugs.

I'm 6'1", 245lbs, and I find the Tarpon 140 to be fast, stable, and dry. All SOT's will let in a little water without the scupper plugs in place when you first get on the boat or when dealing with non-flat water such as breakers, wakes, etc. This boat is no exception, but you are no longer sitting in 1.5 inches of water. The water coming in is usually confined to the front of the "cockpit" area around your feet, and drains back out.

The Phase 3 seating is elevated above the deck so even if water reaches the seat area (hasn't happened to me yet), it will go up under the seat and you won't be sitting in it.

Of course part of the charm of a SOT is that you can pull fish up onto the deck with you when fishing, dive from it, or just go for an occasional swim then climb back on, so if you're too dry on your outing, you are probably missing out on some other fun SOT kayaking related activities.

I tried out the T140 yesterday, that is, the new 2009 model, and I was really impressed once on the water. It took quite a bit of effort getting it on the water though. It's quite heavy to carry or car top, in spite of excellent carrying handles. You will need a kayak trolley if on your own, and either be quite strong or have a loading aid to get it on top of the car.
Now the good stuff: As said, once on the water all changed. Tracking was excellent and in spite of the weight of the kayak out of the water, it was very nimble and light to paddle, relative to its length.
I also tried out the Prowler 13. Comparing the two, the Tarpon feels much more sturdy and well kitted out. I was really impressed with the hatches, although I don't know how watertight they are. Compared to the day hatch on the Prowler, the Tarpon one is far more easily accessible as it doesn't need to be unscrewed. It seems to access the main storage area (I could be wrong) and any small items may get lost in the hull as a result. However, this could be easily resolved. There are also two small compartments covered with rubber matting, where additional items can be stored. Although, these need to be secured as they may fall overboard if the kayak tips over in surf. The seat is really good as well, although, I haven't been able to try it on a long journey.
Handling: Again, in spite of the kayak's weight out of the water, it handles really well once in the water. I couldn't feel much difference in getting up to cruising speed with the Prowler 13. As a 14 footer, I didn't expect it to turn as easily as a shorter kayak, and of course I was right, but again, I didn't feel there was much difference than the Prowler. The Tarpon feels/lies slightly lower in the water than the Prowler 13 and may therefore not be as susceptible to wind. In spite of being lower in the water, I didn't see any water in the boat, other than what you would expect from paddle dripping etc.
I must admit, I tried it on the river, but the problem of water gushing in through the scupper holes seems to have been resolved in this new model. All in all, very pleasantly surprised, and I think this will be my next kayak.

I am 5'4" and 135 lb female and have recently purchased the Tarpon 140 after paddling a 12' Phoenix SOT for the last 3 years. After my initial maiden voyage I found I appreciate the adjustable foot pegs as well as the ample storage. It tracks much better than my Phoenix and I took on NO water. I tend to paddle rivers with many obstacles and hit a lot hidden stumps, etc. I know this boat will withstand the punishment! Overall, I really enjoy it and love the hatching system locks!

Bought one of these last spring and used it around Pittsburgh all summer, from Ohiopyle (on the Middle Yough) to Lake Erie. I agree with all of the other reviews, a little heavy out of the water but an absolute pleasure in the water. Also bought a 120 for my GF. I like both of them equally but the 140 can hold more stuff obviously. Climbing on in the water is a little tricky but you can do it with practice. I've even used the 120 like a paddleboard! These boats are a blast!