COMFORTABLE. STABLE. SPACIOUS.
DESIGNED FOR THE AVID FISHERMAN
Much like its predecessor, the Tarpon, our new, upgraded Vanhunks Tarpon fishing kayak also lives up to its nickname, The Silver King.
Our great saltwater and freshwater touring or fishing kayak will have you taking on adventures with the ease and stamina of the silver king itself.
Tarpon has been built long and lanky to make short work of long endurance trips, and while we love getting out into the ocean with our Tarpon kayak, this 12-foot beast is no stranger to paddling estuaries, lagoons, lakes, and rivers either.
Vanhunks Tarpon is a single sit-on-top fishing kayak suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced paddlers, We’ve taken the original vessel and given it several deluxe upgrades.
We’ve kept all the favourites from the original Tarpon, and added definite creature comforts. The first changes you’d notice when comparing the two is that, where the first Tarpon had two small round storage hatches, as well as the 19in x 9in / 50cm x 25cm oval hatch at the bow, the new Tarpon now sports more significant rectangle storage hatches measuring 13in x 9in / 35cm x 25cm in the round hatches’ places.
The center console hatch houses dry lining for you to keep your electronics and valuables (within the added care of a dry bag in case of capsizing), while the hatch behind the seat is where you can drop your fish once you’ve caught them.
We adjusted the original Tarpon’s 5mm rotomolded high-density Polyethylene mold pattern and made a place for our much loved deluxe aluminum, removable, padded mesh seat. Great for reclining while you wait for the fish to bite, or position it forward for a more comfortable paddle stance as you make your way over vast stretches of water. We especially are fond of our deluxe seat as it doubles up well around the campfire at night, and also makes an excellent choice as a beach chair if you decide to take a break from the water. Once you’re ready to hit the water again for another round, clip the seat back in the four-point seat locks.
Where the original Tarpon fishing kayak offered two accessory tracks at the bow’s bungee storage, our all-new Tarpon sports five accessory tracks, including two tracks with adjustable bungee slider latches at the stern’s bungee storage area. The Tarpon’s swivel rod holder is no longer fitted to the kayak via inserts but rather slid onto any of the five accessory tracks flanking this boat’s edges. Aside from the included swivel rod holder, you’ve also got two molded-in rod holders so you can have more than one reel on the go at a time.
Our new Tarpon fishing kayak is as stable and buoyant as the original model with its 30-inch width, weighs in at 61lb / 28kgs, and has a max weight capacity of 551lb / 250kgs.
Let’s talk about the rudder system on the Tarpon fishing kayak for a moment. Aside from the cable launch and retrieve system to control the rudder blade with, the foot pedals are now adjustable. Tracking a straight course is a breeze now. We guess you also spotted the extra inserts at the tip of the stern. These are where you have the option to mount an electric propeller with a motor size of up to 46lb / 21kgs, should you choose to give your kayak a propulsion boost. Of course, the motor can be purchased as an added extra.
So, who would be of benefit to the Tarpon’s tremendous fighting spirit against the elements? Anyone. From weekend warriors, daily paddlers and anglers, commercial touring and adventure companies, as well as hotels, lodges, and rental shops wanting to give their guests a great outdoors experience.
Overview
The Tarpon kayak is designed for both touring and fishing in saltwater and freshwater environments, providing users with the ability to embark on adventures with ease and endurance. The kayak’s sleek and slender build allows for comfortable and efficient paddling during long-distance trips, whether in the ocean or in estuaries, lagoons, lakes, or rivers.
- Seating: Single Seater
- Style: Sit on Top
- Roto-molded: 5mm Polyethylene Design
- Hardware: Marine Graded stainless steel fittings.
- Inserts: Brass
Features
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND EXTRA’S INCLUDED:
- 1 Two-Piece paddle with three-position adjustment features. The shaft made of heavy-duty black EDC coated aluminum, built-in handgrips, and PVC anti-drip rings
- 1 Aluminum adjustable seat
- 3 Accessory tracks
- 1 Water-resistant hatch cover
- 2 Storage hatches
- 2 Side tackle box compartments
- 2 Side handles with bungees to secure your paddle
- 2 Rubber carry handles
- 8 Scupper plugs
- Bungee at the back storage area
- 1 Swivel rod holder
- 2 Integrated Fishing rod holders
- Rudder system (Foot pedal & Fin)
OPTIONAL EXTRA’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Motor Mount
- Electric Motor
Specs
KAYAK SPECIFICATIONS:
- Length: 360 cm / 12 ft
- Width: 77 cm / 30 inches
- Height: 30 cm / 12 inches
- Weight: 28 kgs / 62 lbs
- Maximum Weight
- Capacity: 250 kgs / 550 lbs
Q & A
Ask a Question-
Do I need to add stabilizers?
The kayak is very stable due to its flat-based bottom hull, but should you wish to stand and fish, you are a taller, bigger paddler then by adding the stabilizers you will enhance that stability.
-
Can I remove the rudder system?
Yes, you can but why would you need or want to? The rudder greatly assists with direct tracking (straight line) paddling, and this will save you from having to constantly counter steer to keep the kayak straight. The rudder can also be elevated should you reach shallow or rock conditions by pulling the rudder adjusting paracord on the side of the kayak and clipping it into the side cleat.
-
Can you mount a Fin or Prop Drive to the Kayak?
Unfortunately, not as the deck design doesn’t allow for a drive box to be installed as there is a central hatch in place and not a toolbox.
-
Can I stand and fish on the Tarpon?
Yes, you can, the kayak is designed around stability and buoyancy and in order to get this right we used a V-shaped keel nose and tail which flows into a flat bottom hull design with deep channels or grooves that assist with the stability. The grooves let the water flow through the bottom of the hull and the flat deck shape keeps the kayak still in the water allowing for easy standing.
-
How do I secure the seat from falling out?
The tarpon has four seat clips secured to the deck of the kayak. Lining up the seat with the clips and gently pushing down the base of the seat will slip into the clips, and this will secure them in place.
-
Can you leave the kayak in the sun?
The Tarpon is made from Polyethylene and has UV lining infused in the manufacturing process, so the kayak is manufactured to maintain its shape in hot conditions, however leaving the kayak exposed to the elements. for long periods of time may cause the kayak harm so wherever possible stow your kayak in a shady area.
-
Can I mount an Electric Motor on the Tarpon?
Yes, you can. At the back of the kayak, you will notice that there are four brass inserts molded into the deck in front of the rudder. These brass inserts are in place so you can attach a rear motor mount by securing the mount to the deck using four T-knobs that screw into the deck. Once the mount is secure you can easily mount your electric motor by securing the G-clamps securely onto the mount. The second option would be to make use of the side motor mount mold attachment area which is situated in the tank well area (Storage)at the back of the kayak, you will see that there are pre-molded grooves in the shape of the kayak, and these have three brass inserts installed in either groove. This area can either be used to mount a stabilizer or a side motor mount and both attach easily making use of the mounting plate that secures over the mounting bar and connects the sidebar with butterfly screws to the deck.
-
Why are there Scupper Plugs on the kayak?
The Scuppers work exactly like bath plugs and allow for the drainage of water from the deck area. When traveling in choppy water or waves it is always best to remove the scupper plugs as water can easily find its way onto the deck of the kayak from rain, waves, or drip from paddles. The plugs are there so that your surface can be drained and cleaned easily.
-
Are the hatches waterproof?
The word waterproof or watertight implies that no water whatsoever will be able to get into a hatch. As water is very resilient and tends to always find a way our hatches are splash proof and this means that water will splash off and flow over, but some water may get inside the hatch. When putting your valuables in a hatch it is always best to stow your valuables in a waterproof container or Ziplock bag for extra protection.
-
What water conditions best suit the Tarpon?
The Tarpon’s design and shape allow it to travel easily in all types of water conditions from seas to rivers and dams. The kayak has a spear shape with a sharp nose and tail and then flattens out in the center of the kayak allowing for stability. The narrow V Keel design in the front of the kayak allows it to push and part water easily and by doing so maintains speed in any conditions.
-
How much weight can the Tarpon carry?
The Tarpon has a mass carrying capacity of 250kgs, so the weight limit is not an issue. However, when looking at weight capacities you need to keep in mind what you are going to use the craft for, So, for example, a fisherman will carry additional gear plus possibly a few fish in the hatch, and this will add to the carrying weight.
-
Is the Tarpon fast enough for catching game fish?
The Tarpon is built for speed and has an easy cruising speed of between 5.5km and 6.5kms/h and this is more than fast enough to troll for game fish or get to that favorite fishing hole.
-
Can I install a Fish Finder on the Tarpon?
Yes, you can but you will be limited by what size transducer you can install as there is no dedicated transducer port as per the other kayak models. You would need to mount your transducer in one of the scupper ports under the kayak as they rest directly in the channels under the kayak, and this ultimately gives you more space to work with. Once you have mounted the transducer safely and securely then run your cables up through the scupper port and onto the deck. Once on the deck, you can decide where to place your battery and your LCD screen. The best possible mounting is just behind the central hatch as that way you can store your battery pack in the hatch.
Care
- Always store kayak in a shaded area and out of direct sunlight.
- Do not hang your kayak through the handles.
- Store your kayak on the side with the weight evenly displaced.
- Do not tie or try to secure your kayak through the handles.
- To avoid warping, ensure your kayak’s weight displacement is even during storage.
- Do not over tighten your kayak, especially in hot conditions as this can distort your kayak’s shape.
COMFORTABLE. STABLE. SPACIOUS.
DESIGNED FOR THE AVID FISHERMAN
Much like its predecessor, the Tarpon, our new, upgraded Vanhunks Tarpon fishing kayak also lives up to its nickname, The Silver King.
Our great saltwater and freshwater touring or fishing kayak will have you taking on adventures with the ease and stamina of the silver king itself.
Tarpon has been built long and lanky to make short work of long endurance trips, and while we love getting out into the ocean with our Tarpon kayak, this 12-foot beast is no stranger to paddling estuaries, lagoons, lakes, and rivers either.
Vanhunks Tarpon is a single sit-on-top fishing kayak suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced paddlers, We’ve taken the original vessel and given it several deluxe upgrades.
We’ve kept all the favourites from the original Tarpon, and added definite creature comforts. The first changes you’d notice when comparing the two is that, where the first Tarpon had two small round storage hatches, as well as the 19in x 9in / 50cm x 25cm oval hatch at the bow, the new Tarpon now sports more significant rectangle storage hatches measuring 13in x 9in / 35cm x 25cm in the round hatches’ places.
The center console hatch houses dry lining for you to keep your electronics and valuables (within the added care of a dry bag in case of capsizing), while the hatch behind the seat is where you can drop your fish once you’ve caught them.
We adjusted the original Tarpon’s 5mm rotomolded high-density Polyethylene mold pattern and made a place for our much loved deluxe aluminum, removable, padded mesh seat. Great for reclining while you wait for the fish to bite, or position it forward for a more comfortable paddle stance as you make your way over vast stretches of water. We especially are fond of our deluxe seat as it doubles up well around the campfire at night, and also makes an excellent choice as a beach chair if you decide to take a break from the water. Once you’re ready to hit the water again for another round, clip the seat back in the four-point seat locks.
Where the original Tarpon fishing kayak offered two accessory tracks at the bow’s bungee storage, our all-new Tarpon sports five accessory tracks, including two tracks with adjustable bungee slider latches at the stern’s bungee storage area. The Tarpon’s swivel rod holder is no longer fitted to the kayak via inserts but rather slid onto any of the five accessory tracks flanking this boat’s edges. Aside from the included swivel rod holder, you’ve also got two molded-in rod holders so you can have more than one reel on the go at a time.
Our new Tarpon fishing kayak is as stable and buoyant as the original model with its 30-inch width, weighs in at 61lb / 28kgs, and has a max weight capacity of 551lb / 250kgs.
Let’s talk about the rudder system on the Tarpon fishing kayak for a moment. Aside from the cable launch and retrieve system to control the rudder blade with, the foot pedals are now adjustable. Tracking a straight course is a breeze now. We guess you also spotted the extra inserts at the tip of the stern. These are where you have the option to mount an electric propeller with a motor size of up to 46lb / 21kgs, should you choose to give your kayak a propulsion boost. Of course, the motor can be purchased as an added extra.
So, who would be of benefit to the Tarpon’s tremendous fighting spirit against the elements? Anyone. From weekend warriors, daily paddlers and anglers, commercial touring and adventure companies, as well as hotels, lodges, and rental shops wanting to give their guests a great outdoors experience.
Overview
The Tarpon kayak is designed for both touring and fishing in saltwater and freshwater environments, providing users with the ability to embark on adventures with ease and endurance. The kayak’s sleek and slender build allows for comfortable and efficient paddling during long-distance trips, whether in the ocean or in estuaries, lagoons, lakes, or rivers.
- Seating: Single Seater
- Style: Sit on Top
- Roto-molded: 5mm Polyethylene Design
- Hardware: Marine Graded stainless steel fittings.
- Inserts: Brass
Features
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND EXTRA’S INCLUDED:
- 1 Two-Piece paddle with three-position adjustment features. The shaft made of heavy-duty black EDC coated aluminum, built-in handgrips, and PVC anti-drip rings
- 1 Aluminum adjustable seat
- 3 Accessory tracks
- 1 Water-resistant hatch cover
- 2 Storage hatches
- 2 Side tackle box compartments
- 2 Side handles with bungees to secure your paddle
- 2 Rubber carry handles
- 8 Scupper plugs
- Bungee at the back storage area
- 1 Swivel rod holder
- 2 Integrated Fishing rod holders
- Rudder system (Foot pedal & Fin)
OPTIONAL EXTRA’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Motor Mount
- Electric Motor
Specs
KAYAK SPECIFICATIONS:
- Length: 360 cm / 12 ft
- Width: 77 cm / 30 inches
- Height: 30 cm / 12 inches
- Weight: 28 kgs / 62 lbs
- Maximum Weight
- Capacity: 250 kgs / 550 lbs
Q & A
Ask a Question-
Do I need to add stabilizers?
The kayak is very stable due to its flat-based bottom hull, but should you wish to stand and fish, you are a taller, bigger paddler then by adding the stabilizers you will enhance that stability.
-
Can I remove the rudder system?
Yes, you can but why would you need or want to? The rudder greatly assists with direct tracking (straight line) paddling, and this will save you from having to constantly counter steer to keep the kayak straight. The rudder can also be elevated should you reach shallow or rock conditions by pulling the rudder adjusting paracord on the side of the kayak and clipping it into the side cleat.
-
Can you mount a Fin or Prop Drive to the Kayak?
Unfortunately, not as the deck design doesn’t allow for a drive box to be installed as there is a central hatch in place and not a toolbox.
-
Can I stand and fish on the Tarpon?
Yes, you can, the kayak is designed around stability and buoyancy and in order to get this right we used a V-shaped keel nose and tail which flows into a flat bottom hull design with deep channels or grooves that assist with the stability. The grooves let the water flow through the bottom of the hull and the flat deck shape keeps the kayak still in the water allowing for easy standing.
-
How do I secure the seat from falling out?
The tarpon has four seat clips secured to the deck of the kayak. Lining up the seat with the clips and gently pushing down the base of the seat will slip into the clips, and this will secure them in place.
-
Can you leave the kayak in the sun?
The Tarpon is made from Polyethylene and has UV lining infused in the manufacturing process, so the kayak is manufactured to maintain its shape in hot conditions, however leaving the kayak exposed to the elements. for long periods of time may cause the kayak harm so wherever possible stow your kayak in a shady area.
-
Can I mount an Electric Motor on the Tarpon?
Yes, you can. At the back of the kayak, you will notice that there are four brass inserts molded into the deck in front of the rudder. These brass inserts are in place so you can attach a rear motor mount by securing the mount to the deck using four T-knobs that screw into the deck. Once the mount is secure you can easily mount your electric motor by securing the G-clamps securely onto the mount. The second option would be to make use of the side motor mount mold attachment area which is situated in the tank well area (Storage)at the back of the kayak, you will see that there are pre-molded grooves in the shape of the kayak, and these have three brass inserts installed in either groove. This area can either be used to mount a stabilizer or a side motor mount and both attach easily making use of the mounting plate that secures over the mounting bar and connects the sidebar with butterfly screws to the deck.
-
Why are there Scupper Plugs on the kayak?
The Scuppers work exactly like bath plugs and allow for the drainage of water from the deck area. When traveling in choppy water or waves it is always best to remove the scupper plugs as water can easily find its way onto the deck of the kayak from rain, waves, or drip from paddles. The plugs are there so that your surface can be drained and cleaned easily.
-
Are the hatches waterproof?
The word waterproof or watertight implies that no water whatsoever will be able to get into a hatch. As water is very resilient and tends to always find a way our hatches are splash proof and this means that water will splash off and flow over, but some water may get inside the hatch. When putting your valuables in a hatch it is always best to stow your valuables in a waterproof container or Ziplock bag for extra protection.
-
What water conditions best suit the Tarpon?
The Tarpon’s design and shape allow it to travel easily in all types of water conditions from seas to rivers and dams. The kayak has a spear shape with a sharp nose and tail and then flattens out in the center of the kayak allowing for stability. The narrow V Keel design in the front of the kayak allows it to push and part water easily and by doing so maintains speed in any conditions.
-
How much weight can the Tarpon carry?
The Tarpon has a mass carrying capacity of 250kgs, so the weight limit is not an issue. However, when looking at weight capacities you need to keep in mind what you are going to use the craft for, So, for example, a fisherman will carry additional gear plus possibly a few fish in the hatch, and this will add to the carrying weight.
-
Is the Tarpon fast enough for catching game fish?
The Tarpon is built for speed and has an easy cruising speed of between 5.5km and 6.5kms/h and this is more than fast enough to troll for game fish or get to that favorite fishing hole.
-
Can I install a Fish Finder on the Tarpon?
Yes, you can but you will be limited by what size transducer you can install as there is no dedicated transducer port as per the other kayak models. You would need to mount your transducer in one of the scupper ports under the kayak as they rest directly in the channels under the kayak, and this ultimately gives you more space to work with. Once you have mounted the transducer safely and securely then run your cables up through the scupper port and onto the deck. Once on the deck, you can decide where to place your battery and your LCD screen. The best possible mounting is just behind the central hatch as that way you can store your battery pack in the hatch.
Care
- Always store kayak in a shaded area and out of direct sunlight.
- Do not hang your kayak through the handles.
- Store your kayak on the side with the weight evenly displaced.
- Do not tie or try to secure your kayak through the handles.
- To avoid warping, ensure your kayak’s weight displacement is even during storage.
- Do not over tighten your kayak, especially in hot conditions as this can distort your kayak’s shape.
