Tarpon 160i foam blocking?

I got out in my Tarpon again today and I'm getting it set up as I like it for fishing. When I was rinsing it down and getting my stuff out of the hatches I found in the hatch behind the seat a foam block that sits behind the scupper "pillars" that run from floor to ceiling inside the hatch. The block has a specific shape but I'm not too sure what it is and I couldn't get it out from behind the scupper pillars in the time I had to mess with it. I'm thinking it is something that's supposed to be in there but fixed in place somewhere... is that right? Is there supposed to be some sort of foam blocking in the rear hatch?

This is a used boat so I don't know what the previous owners might have done with it.

Thanks,

John

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Permalink Reply by LocalHero on June 23, 2012 at 3:52pm

Today I got the foam block out. It was behind the scupper tubes under the rear storage area. It's about 3x7x7. Is this original equipment?

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Permalink Reply by Mike Jones on November 20, 2012 at 6:12pm

Looks like someone put it in there for flotation. Is it hard or soft?

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Permalink Reply by LocalHero on November 20, 2012 at 6:22pm

Mike,

It's medium density I'd say. I'm sure it's original equipment and I've figured out how it goes back (I think behind the seat) in but truthfully that was back in June and I'd have to poke a flashlight in there to remember how/where I re-installed it.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Jones on November 21, 2012 at 10:16am

John,

What were your reasons for choosing the Tarpon 160, do you do a lot of big water fishing? I'm looking hard at the commander 140 but read a lot of good things about your boat.

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Permalink Reply by LocalHero on November 21, 2012 at 10:57am

Mike,

I come from a sit-in paddling background and always used to view sit-on-tops as clunky to paddle. Since I've started fishing from a kayak I've learned that there are some decent paddling SOT's out there and the Tarpon 160 is one of the best. I want to be able to look at a shoreline a mile away and know I won't mind paddling that extra distance in the boat I'm in.

That said, the decision is also partly made by what I come across used. I also own a Ocean Kayak Prowler 15 (which is a decent boat) and a 2003 Hobie Outback which has the peddle drive system.

Note: My boat is the Tarpon 160i model. Older model that supposedly paddles better but is a wetter ride. I've only tried the newer 160 once and not side by side so I can't really speak for the differences.

I stay mostly inshore for fishing and I've never used a commander 140. I Don't know where you're located but I strongly advise trying out different boats before you buy one if possible. Here in Charleston we have good opportunity for that including an annual Kayak Festival at which you can try out a huge variety of boats.

If you're in a well populated kayaking-type location, watch Craigslist. I've never bought a new boat and never regretted a used purchase. The most I've ever paid for a SOT kayak was $400 for the Hobie.

A downside to cheap + used is that my boats are older models. There's been some really nice advances in fishing kayak designs that might make a new boat worth it if you have the money.

John

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Permalink Reply by Mike Jones on November 21, 2012 at 1:28pm

Thanks John, Im in the middle of the East Texas 200 HP Bass Boat Country. I have a dozen good bass lakes within 50 miles. The closest is across the street. Have used water skeeters and other self propeled watercraft in the past, just have a real hankering to get into kayak fishing. I will check Craigs List. You have to go the the gulf coast or the rivers down by Austin to find many yakers.

Mike