With the number of kayaks on the market, you may want to find the best model for your water activities. For instance, Wilderness Systems tarpon 100 vs 105 could be among the models you might consider for your leisure or sports.
In this article, we have listed some of the basic things you should know about the two models.
Table of Contents
Wilderness Systems tarpon 100 Pros and Cons
Pros
- It is stable
- Comfortable
- Adaptable
- It has many features
- Quality materials
Cons
- It is heavy.
- Its hatches leak.
- It is costly.
- .It does not track well.
Features
The boat is designed to paddle smoothly and track well. It moves at a surprising speed and can make easy turns.
- The hull is made of high-density polyethylene that lasts long and is easy to be taken care of.
- It is installed with a Phase 3 AirPro seat. This seat is adjustable and is made of 3D perforated foam. The large perforated holes enhance air flow while the small perforated holes give support to the paddler’s sit bones and lower back.
- The foot brace system is adjustable to give you the best comfort and give you the best paddling position.
- Storage for small items is provided at the 8 in. bow and midship Orbix hatches.
- The tackle box and dry bags are secured by molded-in stern storage well with a shock cord.
- At the front of the seating area and the tank well there is an attachment for compatible accessories. However, the kayak does not come with the accessories or tools.
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Seats are comfortable
- Dry storage compartments
- Equipped with accessory rails
- It is stable on the water
Cons
- It does not have speed on water
- Could be a bit heavy
Size and Weight
The weight of Tarpon 105 is 55 pounds (25 kg). Its length is 10.6 inches (320 cm). Its width is 32 inches (81 cm). The height of its deck is 15.25 inches (39 cm). It has carrying handles on the bow, the stern and on both sides of the gunnels.
Therefore, transporting the boat will be easy for you. These super-beefy handles can also serve as places to strap the boat when being transported.
If you are looking for a kayak that tracks better and has speed on the water, look out for the bigger size Tarpon 105 which is Tarpon 120. It is a 12.3 inches kayak and has similar features to Tarpon 105.
Capacity
Tarpon 105 has a maximum carrying capacity of 325 pounds (147 kg). This capacity is big enough to carry an average-sized adult with his gears that will take him for a day or even some camping gear.
For young men and women who will like to carry more loads, Tarpon 120 has a carrying capability of 350 pounds (158 kg). The difference between its carrying capacity and that of Tarpon 105 is not much but, it is worth considering.
Features
Wilderness Systems is good at building durable boats. They built the one-piece polyethylene hull with the rotational moulding process. They carefully installed four soft-grip haul handles on the bow, stern, and both sides of the cockpit for easy transportation and use of the boat.
The kayak has a replaceable skid plate that protects the hull when you drag it across bumpy surfaces. Any water that enters the cockpit is removed by the scupper hole and you will have a dry ride. Unfortunately, scupper plugs do not come with the kayak.
When you compare it to the earlier model, you will discover that Tarpon 100 is 6 inches (15 cm) longer. This extra length improves its tracking and speed. There is a keel in the bow and stern of the boat.
A provision is made for where the Wilderness System XL Rudder kit will be installed, although the rudder does not come with the boat. This rudder improves the performance of the boat in windy conditions and choppy waters.
The seat of Tarpon 100 is presently rated as one of the most comfortable seats in the market. The new Phase 3 AirPro model comprises ergonomic mesh-covered molded foam which perfectly drains water and is highly breathable.
The plush honeycomb vented fabric named “Cool Touch” was introduced in 2020. There are leg raisers built-in at the bottom of the cushion. The backrest can be made to raise, lower and adjust for tilt.
There are some useful storage amenities that are added to the upgraded Tarpon. Beginning from the bow, a small hatch ment for dry storage is added. It is good that Wilderness Systems has stopped the use of “Orbix” flimsy plastic levers and, it is like the new container latching mechanism is stronger.
You can pack your small sleeping bag and one person’s tent or stow away some of your dry clothes in a dry bag in the container.
There is a simple bungee holder at the bow. This holder enables you to secure your paddles and keep your hands free. The strap that holds the water bottle is a magnetic strap. It wraps around the bottle and conveniently connects to the boat between your feet.
At the front of the cockpit is a Tec dry box that slides into a track on the floor of the kayak. You can store your phone, camera, or car key in this box.
There are small storage trays molded in on both sides of the floor in which lures, chopsticks, or small items can be stored. The kayak has a small size tank well stern. The tank comes with a removable mesh cover.
The kayak has padded footrests that are adjustable. There are slide Trax accessory rails on the gunwales where you can deck out your ride for fishing, photography, filming, and other activities
FAQs
How long is a Tarpon 100 kayak?
Tarpon 100 kayak is 10 inches (305 cm) long.
How wide is a Tarpon 100?
It’s width is 30.5 inches (77 cm)
Who makes Tarpon kayaks?
Tarpon kayak is produced by Wilderness Systems Kayaks.
Wilderness Systems tarpon 100 vs 105
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 is a sit-on-top kayak that has moderate speed and tracks well with good maneuverability.
What gives it these performance characteristics is the kayak rocker. Rocker means the amount of curve a kayak has across its bow those sterns its hull profile.
Tarpon 105 has primary and secondary stability. Both stabilities are excellent. It is not the boat with the fastest speed on the water however, its tracking and operation in different kinds of water are decent.
Wilderness Systems upgraded the original version of Tarpon 100 to become Tarpon 105. They added 6 inches to its length and 2 inches to its width. The sleek and the hull remain the same. Therefore, our choice is Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100
