Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120

Size and Weight

The Tarpon 120 has a length of 12’ 3” (373 cm), a width of 31” (79 cm), and a deck height of 13.75” (35 cm). It weighs 63 lbs (29 kg), which is about average for a sit-on-top of this size.

The Tarpon 120 has a maximum capacity of 350 lbs (159 kg) which means it will be able to accommodate most kayakers and their equipment, but larger users may want to consider other options.

Features

The front carry handle is a heavy-duty piece held in place by two screws. It is sturdy enough to be a mounting point for straps during transportation.

Behind it on the deck is a short bungee cord with a small roller on it which acts as a paddle holder if you need to set your paddle down quickly to fish, use your phone, or just want to take a break and let the boat be carried by the current.

The Tarpon 120 features a front dry storage compartment that is accessed via a large, dual locking hinged hatch.

At the front of the cockpit, there is a magnetic cup holder. A strap made to hold any variety of beverage containers is held in place by an integral magnet.

On either side of the kayak are footrests that can be adjusted by locking levers. The footpads themselves are a soft foam on a stiffer plastic frame which allows a solid point of contact to push against when you paddle, but also provides comfort, especially if you go barefoot.

The deck has four scupper holes to drain any water that gets into the cockpit. This portion of the kayak has been levelled off and is specifically made to give your dog enough room to relax with you for a day of adventure on the water!

Almost directly in front of the seat is a compartment molded into the deck that holds a dry box for storing cell phones, wallets or other valuable items you might have with you. On either side of it are open storage compartments. It can be mounted to open either towards or away from you.

On both gunnels are the Wilderness Systems’ “SlideTrax” rails for mounting a variety of kayak accessories. So if you want to add a rod holder, fish finder, or a phone holder, the Tarpon 120 lets you do so without needing to drill into the boat.

The seat is a very comfortable “Phase 3 AirPro Seating System” with three points of adjustability. The height of the back rest is adjustable both up and down by either a button (up) or a strap (down). Moving the backrest forward or backward is done with straps on either side, and there is also a strap to raise the front of the seat itself upward to relieve strain on your hamstrings during extended trips. The seat itself is made up of vented mesh fabric and a comfortable foam. There is additional storage space beneath the seat.

Two carry handles on either side of the boat allow for easier transportation. The rear deck has a large storage tankwell for coolers, milk crates or fishing supplies. It is covered by an elastic mesh fabric.

Finally, there is a skid plate on the keel that lets you drag the kayak over harsh surfaces.

Performance

The Tarpon 120 is designed to be a versatile kayak for various bodies of water. It achieves this intention well, and despite being 12 feet long, is quite maneuverable for its length.

The key feature of this kayak, however, is its speed. The narrow hull does not have a lot of drag and glides nicely through the water.