Long time lurker here with a question. First off I greatly enjoy Wes's site. Nice to see a resource for us "Big" folk.
Would like to know if anyone has had any experience with the WS Pungo 140? Thoughts and comments would be appriciated. What did you pay for yours?
I'm in the market for a kayak to fit a 6' 350lb frame. I want to stay with a SINK as opposed to a SOT. Will mainly paddle calm, slow moving river, streams, ponds, and lakes for recreation(exercise) and enjoying paddle and the outdoors. Need to get out from behind my computer(which is what I do for work all day) and TV. My ultimate goal is to take a camping trip in the St. Regis Canoe Area(portaging boat and gear a couple of times)with family, once my skills and abilites improve.
Last weekend I test paddled the Pungo 140, Perception America 13.5, and a WS Pamlico 135T at Mountain Man Outdoors in Old Forge, NY. Everyone is right when they say you need to test paddle before you buy. From research I was sure the America ($540) was the boat for me. However when I paddled it I found the secondary stability was lacking somewhat, especially if I edged the boat to turn.
The Pamlico ($620) I found to be rock solid with just me in the boat. In fact even with my 58" waist (yup a self professed fata##, but I'm trying to work on it) I could not get it to feel tippy in the slightest. However it also felt harder to paddle and slower, and harder to turn than all three boats. I think my skills would outgrow the boat very fast.
The Pungo 140 ($590) on the other hand fealt a little tippy at first, however it only went so far then would feel pretty stable. (the v bottom must help contribute to these characteristics) I could edge the boat during turns pretty good and tracking & glide fealt better as well. The seat and cockpit was the most comfortable of the three.
Would love to hear for all, thanks in advance for your help.
Date Posted:16:00:49 06/15/04 Tue
I have a Pungo 120 and I love it. I'm not quite your size but I'm big enough. The boat is great and comforable and you will get used to the inital stability. I find it one of the most stable and fast rec boats available. I paddled a 140 at a demo and it will fly! Thinking of upgrading to one and giving my wife my 120. Wanna buy a 100?
good luck and happy paddlin'
P
>Hi All
>
>Long time lurker here with a question. First off I
>greatly enjoy Wes's site. Nice to see a resource for
>us "Big" folk.
>
>Would like to know if anyone has had any experience
>with the WS Pungo 140? Thoughts and comments would be
>appriciated. What did you pay for yours?
>
>I'm in the market for a kayak to fit a 6' 350lb frame.
> I want to stay with a SINK as opposed to a SOT. Will
>mainly paddle calm, slow moving river, streams, ponds,
>and lakes for recreation(exercise) and enjoying paddle
>and the outdoors. Need to get out from behind my
>computer(which is what I do for work all day) and TV.
>My ultimate goal is to take a camping trip in the St.
>Regis Canoe Area(portaging boat and gear a couple of
>times)with family, once my skills and abilites improve.
>
>Last weekend I test paddled the Pungo 140, Perception
>America 13.5, and a WS Pamlico 135T at Mountain Man
>Outdoors in Old Forge, NY. Everyone is right when
>they say you need to test paddle before you buy. From
>research I was sure the America ($540) was the boat
>for me. However when I paddled it I found the
>secondary stability was lacking somewhat, especially
>if I edged the boat to turn.
>
>The Pamlico ($620) I found to be rock solid with just
>me in the boat. In fact even with my 58" waist (yup a
>self professed fata##, but I'm trying to work on it) I
>could not get it to feel tippy in the slightest.
>However it also felt harder to paddle and slower, and
>harder to turn than all three boats. I think my
>skills would outgrow the boat very fast.
>
>The Pungo 140 ($590) on the other hand fealt a little
>tippy at first, however it only went so far then would
>feel pretty stable. (the v bottom must help
>contribute to these characteristics) I could edge the
>boat during turns pretty good and tracking & glide
>fealt better as well. The seat and cockpit was the
>most comfortable of the three.
>
>Would love to hear for all, thanks in advance for your
>help.
>
>Big Dog
Date Posted:11:36:14 01/01/05 Sat
Paul, I am looking into the Pungo 120 for mild to rolling rivers? and some close to shore puget sound paddling. your thoughts?
Also I am 6'8" and 280#s any complaints about the fit?
Re: WS Pungo 140