Pungo 140 capabilities?

[Flyflinger]

Hello all of you Proud Pungo owners! Just curious as to what you've been in/through in this type of yak? I've got a mini-skirt that I use often and a really cool full skirt that I've yet to use :rolleyes: . I've been through some pretty large yacht wakes :mad: , but that's about the extreme thus far. I love the stability of this yak but is it a false sense of security w/regard to venturing out on the high seas? How does this yak do w/regards to surf launches/landings :eek: ?

Thanks for all replies.

Tony

[Ray]

I have a P140 and here is what I do when asking that question to myself. If I don't feel comfortable in a given situation, I don't stay there. Yes this hull is very stable, but it can bite you too.

You mention a surf launch or landing. I was rolled last WINTER (40 degree water, that sucked, always bring dry clothes, regardless of season) when I didn't time the landing right. This isn't because the yak couldn't handle the landing. Think about it. When the bow beaches, the stern is still 14 feet out, IN THE SURF. A wave can easily grab it and turn you around.

So just stay in waters you know, and situations you feel comfortable in. The boat can handle anything....it's just a piece of plastic.

[Flyflinger]

I got the plastic/durability thing. Perhaps I should re-phrase the question. What size waves/surf have you successfully launched in? Was that w/a full skirt (that hopefully didn't cave in on you)?

[Ray]

Honestly I really try not to launch in any surf. In most kayaks, anything about a 1 foot BREAKING wave will cover the bow and run into the cockpit. A 1 foot gradual swell is another thing, but that doesn't happen on the beaches.

Are you frequently launching on beaches with breaking waves? Sounds like you haven't been in the surf much. Try launching in calm waters if you can.

[detra]

I would suggest playing in the surf without your gear. Just you, full skirt, etc. Coming in is usually the easy part. Going out can be alot more difficult. My understanding is that a pungo is unrollable (up, that is) unless you have some sort of thigh bracing rigged.

[ruge13]

Much of your difficulty in the surf will come with your knees. They will shift around, its tough to keep them flat in the bottom because that is not natural to do with a kayak. Your knees will want to pop up when you roll on the side and pop the skirt loose. In a sea kayak you use that to your advantage, but in larger cockpit fishing boats you can't. Will take some practice to get in the habit of keeping your knees down and the skirt on, especially if you come from another kayak.

I would disagree with you though...coming in is harder I think. Going out you are punching through the waves. The bow splits the waves, or they come over you, either way you stay pointed in the direction you want to go and keep paddling even over larger breaking waves. But coming in even the smallest of boat wakes can spin a boat sideways and roll you on a crowded beach where little kids come up and say "Mister Mister, is this yours?" as they grab your gear while it floats away...Right Sam?:brow Always more control over direction when you pull something versus pushing it. Coming in waves are all push and no pull.

Definately practice first, good news is surf comes in more than 2 sizes so you can gradually work your way up. With storm season apon us you should have lots of oportunity to practice.

[Flyflinger]

No, I haven't been out yak-fishing in the ocean much. Most of my fishing has been inshore. Since the inshore bite has stunk lately I figured I go out and play in the surf w/o fishing gear first to get the hang of it before venturing out w/the gear. No need to have any unnecessary "yard sales" (Mister, Mister... --125-3 )

[detra]

I see where your coming from with the out vs in. My surf play has usually been in a whitewater boat which you essentially where like a pair of pants i.e. nice snug fit. If pushed sideways its simple to brace and stay upright sidesurfing in. My difficulties usually stem from being in the exact wrong spot and getting pitched by the lip of a breaking wave.

As to getting pushed sideways, one way to avoid this is to use your paddle as a rudder. It should be put in vertically right at your hip, and will act like a surfboard rudder and keep you straight. If you feel yourself getting pushed sideways, a strong sweep on the opposite side will straighten you out, but its important to get that rudder (paddle) back in the water ASAP or you will lose control and end in a sidesurf. If you get caught in a sidesurf put your weight on your waveside butt cheek and low brace and you should stay upright.

Now, I know pungo's won't sidesurf like a whitewater boat. But I've used the above techniques in double sea-kayaks and they should apply to all kayaks.

Have fun...

[BluesCruiser]

does the full skirt make your butt look big :brow --125-3

sorry could not help myself...

my advise is tie everything you like to keep.

in surf launches I like to walk out past waves waste deep then hop in I also think a small paddle works great in a surf launch easyer to handle and then stow it under the deck cords and grab the big paddle I use a kids paddle for this it makes a good missle when jetski's get too close also :brow

pungo pungo

[Flyflinger]

"does the full skirt make your butt look big" -- gosh, I hope not! I was wondering how long it would take for some wisenheimer to say something about that :brow

[BluesCruiser]

wisenheimer shutin up :brow

[Flyflinger]

No need to shut up - I'm just a goofy newbie trying to learn something new! Please feel free to add details as you see fit - the more info the better. Definitely appreciated. W/regard to tying everything down - I plan on doing a lot of practice runs prior to taking out any fishing gear.

[BluesCruiser]

I see you are from Florida.. Better add SHARK gun to list :eek:

[Flyflinger]

I guess I could just use a bang stick for both the sharks and the gators :eek: