looking at pungo

[JSeamans]

Okay, after a little research I've decided (on paper at least) to pass on a SOT (Tarpon 120) and the Old Town Loon 111 in favor of a Pungo 120. I hear it's just a better all around kayak than the Loon and I like the layout and strapping better. I'll try and sit in one this weekend. I can always get a SOT later if I get lots of use out of the Pungo. I'll be paddling Ninigret, the Falmouth salt ponds, and some bays and tidal rivers near the Kennebec.

thanks for the feedback

JS

[Ray]

I just bought the Pungo 14 at The Sakonnet Boathouse in Tiverton (just under the 138 bridge).

It was $616 (below list) and the had a pretty good inventory.

Ray

[Wes]

Just my 2 cents, I would consider a 14 footer for a little extra speed if you are paddling tidal rivers in the Kennebec area. And be careful.

[JSeamans]

I'd be interested in hearing more on the safety and speed issues. Are there any safety issues in Ninigret Pond or the south Cape salt ponds once you're away from the outlets? In Maine I'm thinking of small tidal areas - one creek/river I handled with a Caspia - the inside of Morse's up into Spirit Pond, and Atkins Bay, obviously steering way clear of the main Kennebec channel and I doubt I'd attempt the Back River. There are also those flats in Winnegance and north of the Phippsburg boat ramp. What would I sacrifice with the 12-footer? Would an extra two feet in length limit tighter turning?

JS

[SamRiley]

If all I was going to be doing was paddling around in tight, protected inland waters, then I would have gone with a shorter boat. Since I knew that South Monomoy was going to be a goal, I went with a longer yak for better efficiency over long distances. I've paddled around with friends in their shorter Pungos and we all were able to get into the same water. That said, I've made some ten mile paddles and headed into some rough water that might be a bit tough for a shorter boat. Your choice should depend on where you see yourself doing the majority of your paddling over the years you own your yak. I'd love to have three more yaks. A small stout one for inland stuff, an extra long and light one for trekking and even one of those odd SOT things for playing in the surf with abandon. So I guess that's my recommendation... buy four yaks and cover all the bases :)

[joev]

Rhode Island is easy in the Salt ponds.
The Cape the water really moves thru there.Town Cove was unbelievable.It pulls the lobster pots under.I imagine maine must be the same way.

Dont worry about the turning part unless you plan on fishing creeks less than 14 ft wide.

Its not the speed thats the difference.Its the amount of paddling you do.
If the 14 is 20% more efficent and you paddled 1000 strokes you would do 1200 in the 12 footer.It dont sound like much but once the addiction gets to you ,you will be paddling alot more than you think.A average day for me is about 8-10 hrs on the water.Thats why I bought a 16 ft Tarpon .I had the 12 ft Pungo and can say it extened my range about 50%.Last year we routinly paddled many extended trips that I dont think I could have done in the Pungo without really taking a beating.

JoeV

[Wes]

Sounds like you already know the water well already so you should be fine whichever you choose. I have only paddled near the mouth of the river, the islands there, Sagadahoc bay and coast to east a few miles. The water around the mouth of the river changes quite a lot depending on tides and weather. If you were paddling against current on a regular basis a litle bit more speed helps a lot.

[RJ]

JSeamans,

The Pungo 140 is the 2nd gereration of Pungos.

It is 14 feet long and one inch narrower. I have a first generation and loved it. I now have a new 2nd generation (Pungo 140) and expect great things from it. Both boats are very stable and track well. They handle a surprizing amount of "big water" easily and the 140 should be even more effieicnt in the paddling department. SOT's have their place and eventually, I'll probably own one, but I like the sit in's and the new 14 foot long Pungo may be in a class all by itself.

They come in 10 ft., 12 ft. and 14 ft lengths. Pungo 100, 120 and 140 respectively. The chine on the new one is similar to the first generation. it is square cut vs. rounded at the fan tail.

I don't expect to use this boat for surfing into a beach. The pronounced tail provides excellent "tracking" when you paddle the boat. The wide rudder like fantail wouldn't be my choice for trying to suft the boat in to a beach. Too much surface to allow the wave to push the boat sideways.

Everything is a trade off! The Pungo 140 is an excellent "level of entry" boat for everyone, and a great fishing platform for we'uns whos passion is to fish from a stable platform that can get us out just far enough to connect with the fish we need to catch. The extra 2 feet on the new 140 will make getting there and staying there much better.

:-% Thirsty work, this!

[JSeamans]

Thanks to all. I'm leaning towards the Pungo 120 angler. I know it's extra money and I can probably add my own accessories for less but I'd rather just get the factory set-up and be done with it. Plus I'm lousy with a drill. I looked at one at Wilderness House yesterday and the size/weight was great. They didn't have a 140 but I think I'll be fine with the 120.

JS

[rockfisherman]

JS,

Re: safety issues in the ponds, there are power boats, especially after dark and in the summer. Make sure you have a light and backup light and stay out of the channel. There are a couple marinas on Ninigrit, and some very, very, big boats on Pt. Judith Pond. I don't want to overstate the danger, but a number of people died on the salt ponds last year in boating accidents (no kayakers that I know of).

R'Man

[RJ]

J,

Before you lay your money down on a 120! How tall are you and what do you weigh?

If your over 150 and 5'8' you should test the 140 and the 120.

As JoeV says the 14 foot hull is more efficient and that equals less work overthe course of a day's paddling. It has more room and a small forward hatch as well as a waterproof, bulkheaded rear section and a large hatch.

You will own it a long time and if you insist on buying it from your local dealer he can order a 140 so you can test both boats.

Another point, Rhode Island charges no tax for yaks or other water craft. The difference might pay for the extra two feet the P-140 will give you.

my .02cents:)

PS. Ray bought his P-140 at the dealer in Tiverton, RI.
Check his post above and take a ride this weekend.

[ReelRhody]

Bought 2 Pungo 12 footers this past weekend at the new Dick's Sporting in Warwick RI, good deal $399, thanks to the tip on this board. They charged me sales tax. I asked for the manager and informed him that I beleived boats (kayaks) were exempt from state tax in RI.
The manager informed me that the company spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on software to ensure that it matches the local tax code. I responded with "uh huh, I'll verify and we can settle up when I pick up the yaks.
He said he had sold probably 50 of them so far and nobody else had questioned the sales tax. Hard to beleive.
Can't wait to try them out, will be my first yak but far from my first watercraft, seems the older I get the simpler I want.
I'm 6' tall any recommendations on paddle ?

[Ray]

I wasn't charged any tax when I bought my yak in RI

Actually the salesperson made special mention of it

[rockfisherman]

Have never heard of anyone charging sales tax on boats in RI. Most everyone makes a big deal of mentioning it. Sounds like Dick's is a good name for the outlet. Great price on the yak, tho.

[RJ]

Reel Rhody,

I'n 6 ft also. I use a 240 CM paddle!. Shirt sleeve length 34 inches. Go for an all glass or graphite If you can. The lighter the better for the long paddle tripes.

Pungo a pair! Way to go! You will like them. Dick's is wrong and you should be able to get a copy of the offical tax release for water craft on the internet.

$800 x 8% in NY equals $64.00. Your halfway to buying a upgraded paddle! at those prices. You might even suggest to the manager that they notify all the customers that have purchased canoes and yaks from them that they have a rebaite coming.

It will make them (Dick's) a legend in Little Rhody! Rhode Island is the land of legends!

To point you in the right direction, two words - Quonny Pond!
Or Allen's Haba!

RJ :-% Welcome to the yak world! You'll like it!--125-3

[Punchshot]

reading all this talk on yaks I figure I better get on board, I'm heading down to RI. this weekend to pick up a pungo 14 - with the recommendation and reviews I've read, sound like a good chioce. I live in Plymouth and there's plenty of areas to fish

[ReelRhody]

RJ,
thanks for the paddle info. it will come in handy. My thoughts are the same as yours on the sales tax issue at Dick's.
I'm quite close & personal with Quonny, have only done Allen's "haba" from shore .
What other accessories would you old pros recommend for the pungo?

[capemike88]

What size paddle would you recommend for a kid who's 6' 2" and is going to be paddling a 16 foot Tarpon?

Thank's again,

mike

[Wes]

I'd guess a 240 Mike, probably no less than a 230. See if you can try a couple before you buy.

[capemike88]

We got free paddles with our kayak's, but I'm guessing there crappy. Do the more expensive make a ton of a difference? If so, which paddles would you reccomend, not to expensive.

Thank's again,

mike

[JSeamans]

RJ -

I'm aboout that height and considerably heavier but nowhere near the 300 lbs. the Pungo 120 is rated for. What does that number mean in real terms?

J

[RJ]

J S,

The 300 pounds are what the yak is capable of handling.
It is the Gross Vehicle Weight for that craft. It is the manufactuers recommendation as far as loading it up with you and your gear.

I'm 6 ft and weigh 220 pounds. What I like to refer to as a semi-firm 64 year old.

If you weigh more than 180 and your arm length is near 33" sleeve length, I'd recommend the Pungo 140. But ....

What you need to do is go to Tiverton or another large yak dealer (Goose Hummock, Orleans MA) and talk to the Pro-staff.

Tell them you have decided on a new style Pungo but need to know if the 120 or 140 is best for what you want it to do.

They can show you the difference and maybe even get you into a yak to paddle on a pond near by.

Just tell them your a rookie and need to know everything about the product as it will relate to you, your body size and expectations. That's what I did two years ago!

The spring thru fall paddling season will give you a ton of time to paddle. Take your time now and decide what is best for you. It will make the experience much better and speed up your learning curve. Yaking is easy and a great way to get just far enough off shore to those blitz'n fish.

Let us all know how you made out.

Mike 88, If your sitill growing I'd do the 240 or if the paddles you got free are 240's use them to practice and learn with and then up grade at the end of the summer or even next winter when the sale price on the "best" for you will be less costly. The free paddles are no doubt heavier and will help build your paddling muscles. Then when you transition to a lighter paddle you will "kick butt"!

My oldest son played Lacrosse for Texas A&M. Tough sport!
Great way to meet people! ;) :D