WS Tarpon 160 mods ? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

SDLivin · 07-21-2008, 02:38 PM

Off the wall request, but thought I would ask the mod gods anyways.
Attached is a picture of an older red Tarpon 160 that is very similar to the yak I own with the 2 covered cargo holds; 1 in front and 1 in the rear.>>
My thought was to convert the rear hatch into an open cargo hold, where I could hold a bait tank etc…>>
I was wondering if anyone has ever seen this modification done and if you know of any products in the marketplace or how to’s on this.>>
I understand that this could be a water collection area or I would have to create my own scupper hole(s).>>
I’ve looked into creating my own customer fiberglass mold, which would roll over the cargo hold lip and still be able to use the cover for surf entries/exits.>>
>Thoughts? or more work then it's worth?

sterling · 07-21-2008, 06:22 PM

I have the Tarpon 16 footer they just didn't call it the 160 when I got mine. There is a part that fits that hatch. I saw one a few years ago at a kayak shop that carried WS. They are no longer in business. The part is a deep "bucket" that fits that hatch to create a bait tank or storage like tanks or something. My thoughts on it is you should put a smaller bait tank inside, because if you filled that massive "bucket" with water you yak would weigh several hundred pounds. I created a bait tank that fit on top of that hatch. Makes it a little tippy and has to be strapped down.

SDLivin · 07-22-2008, 09:29 AM

Thanks. Mark @ Hook1 recalled that, in the past, WS was looking into possibly making this and is looking into it for me. You are corrrect, way too much water if i used the whole area for a bait tank. My thought would be to drop a bait tank into the insert and use the rest of the space for gear or as an ice fish/beer hold.

07-21-2008, 06:22 PM	#2
sterling Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 118	I have the Tarpon 16 footer they just didn't call it the 160 when I got mine. There is a part that fits that hatch. I saw one a few years ago at a kayak shop that carried WS. They are no longer in business. The part is a deep "bucket" that fits that hatch to create a bait tank or storage like tanks or something. My thoughts on it is you should put a smaller bait tank inside, because if you filled that massive "bucket" with water you yak would weigh several hundred pounds. I created a bait tank that fit on top of that hatch. Makes it a little tippy and has to be strapped down.

07-22-2008, 09:29 AM	#3
SDLivin Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Poway Posts: 7	Thanks. Mark @ Hook1 recalled that, in the past, WS was looking into possibly making this and is looking into it for me. You are corrrect, way too much water if i used the whole area for a bait tank. My thought would be to drop a bait tank into the insert and use the rest of the space for gear or as an ice fish/beer hold.