What’s the best boat for a beginner, recreational kayaker?
I’m a beginner kayaker and want to buy a boat for recreational purposes such as fishing and camping local lakes, rivers, and creeks. A Wilderness Systems kayak dealer recommended the Pungo 120 or the Tarpon 120. Which would you recommend? Jason Marion, Kentucky
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Id also encourage you to look at two other boats. One is the Perception Carolina 13.5 ($800; www.kayaker.com). Its sort of a miniature touring boata very appealing little craft thats versatile, comfortable, and easy to paddle. It has two hatches for gear and will take an optional Yakima rudder for better directional control. Finally, Daggers Blackwater 12 ($700; www.dagger.com) has attributes similar to the Wilderness Systems boats; its comfortable and can handle a wide variety of tasks from fishing to photography to camping. Kayaks are kind of like shoesone size doesnt fit allso try several to see whats best for you.
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