rigging my Tarpon 140

[Andrew Williams]

Picked my new yak up last month and been pimping it with various bits, now completed, so here's a few pics:-
1. Collection day from Swansea Canoes who gave me a great deal ;)

2. The Tarpon sitting next to the Prowler 13, very diff. bow shapes.

3. I bought the basic yak, so the 1st thing to be added were two flush mounts and some deck eyes

notice the tube inside, these are put in place by Wilderness Systems ready to take the rudder cables, if fitted in the future.

the finished mounts with 2 extra deck eyes

4. Anchor trolley next, fitted without any drilling.
The rope guide hooks and cam cleat have been bolted to the Slidetrax rails and can be moved if required.

5. Fishfinder - I transferred my Garmin with a Scotty mount from my Prowler to the Tarpon, I had a choice of two mounting positions and chose the lower one as it's within easy reach from the seat.

transducer was glued inside the hull using CT1 sealant from Marinescene in Cardiff. They reckon it's better than Sikaflex.
Also wedged in place using pool noodle between the cupholder and the transducer.

job done...

6. Ram mounts came this week so fitted them again to the Slidetrax rails - no drilling involved and they can be repositioned if required.

I'll be able to swivel the mounts in for paddling and they are within easy reach from the seat

7. Scotty pump added on a small leash which can be clipped to the loops provided under the round hatch in front of the seat.

1st trip out (the Ram mounts had not arrived by then but no issue as this was a drifting session after Bass)

1st Impressions are good, the yak is showing to be around .7-0.8 knots faster than my P13 at typical paddling rate , but does suffer from weather vaning , so I will be adding a rudder.
I was out for about 6 hours of constant drifting / paddling then had a hard paddle back into a headwind which had picked up to about 15mph , no numb bum so I'm pleased with the seat.

All I need now is some decent weather to get out. :)

[Jeff Suber]

Nice setup and lots of detail

[Erick Bell]

That is a great set up. Nice touch on the rigging and utilizing the Slidetrax rails to have constant access to your depth finder. I have a new Tarpon 140 also, and this weekend will be spent doing some rigging as well.

[Karen Ezell]

Nice rigging! Looks like a great new boat.
We hope to be on one soon!
Karen

[Chad Hoover]

Very good install, nice report and photos. I also run my cable under the mount for a clean install. I like your setup and use of the Slidetrax as well.
Chad

[Salt Fly Girl]

Nice ride ! Thanks for posting such detail pics! Very helpful as I am still rigging my new Tarpon 100 up.

[Mike]

Nice rig...Where did you get the brass inserts(& bolts) for the slidetrax????

[Andrew Williams]

I got the brass plates and screws from my local kayak shop, I think they are normally used for fixing fins onto surf skis etc. and just happen to fit the slidetrax rails, a little tight in places but OK. Worked out about £13-00 for 10 nuts and 10 screws.
her is something similar
http://www.baysurfshop.com/product_cat.php?cattype=8

[Chris Fierro]

Nice rigging, looks like a pro job!

[Todd Llewellyn]

Very nice install job.

[dave tilly]

wath kind of crate have you got it fits in just nice

[Andrew Williams]

Hi Dave,
the crate I used is a cheap (£2-50) folding crate from the UK DIY chain "B & Q" , I think you have a similar large DIY chain in the US. I bought it for my Prowler 13 as it was a perfect fit in that yak, but due to the curved tankwell sides and larger tankwell on the T140 I'm on the look out for something that may fit a bit better. I may even make something bespoke if I can get hold of the materials.
Best Regards
Andrew

[Jaz Davis]

Nice Rig! Add a rudder and it will double your enjoyment especially while fishing :)