ATAK 120

[Dypsis]

I am looking to purchase a SOT kayak for next year.  I thought about a canoe so one of my boys (fairly young) could come along but after some discussion on here wasn't too keen on the stability with my boys.  So after some preliminary research I looked hard at the Feelfree Lure 11.5, Jackson Kayak CUDA 12, and the ATAK 140.  I then found out this winter Wilderness will be releasing the 120.  I have read some past posts on people experience with the 140 but would love to hear anything else anyone wants to share their opinion on it with me.  

My uses are 80% of the time a small ~250 acre lake.  10% Creeks on the Potomac (calm days).  10% Juniata and Susquehanna river.  How would the 120 handle these situations.  

[Choporoz]

Perfectly.

[J Francho]

I think you're looking at the right boat.  Get some seat time before you buy, if you can!

[Dypsis]

4 hours ago, J Francho said:

I think you're looking at the right boat.  Get some seat time before you buy, if you can!

Agreed, not any stores close, but I think it's a must to do before making such a big purchase.

[Dogmatic]

I didnt see your other post, but the ATAK is definitely on my list to check out for next season. As for the occasional requirement of taking your young ones along, I too was considering this, and I'm sure the 120 wouldn't have the space needed. Don't give up on a canoe. If you have a budget that the 120 is going to take, you might want to check out Meyers Sportspal canoes. They're extremely stable, huge weight capacities, and light.(You can occasionally find them on CL). Other options might be Nucanoe, and hybrid kayaks like the Commander or Ultimate. If you're just looking for a pure fishing machine though, probably be tough to beat an ATAK.

[Preytorien]

Also check out a Vibe Sea Ghost 130 - tons of features at a reasonable price

[Dypsis]

3 hours ago, Dogmatic said:

I didnt see your other post, but the ATAK is definitely on my list to check out for next season. As for the occasional requirement of taking your young ones along, I too was considering this, and I'm sure the 120 wouldn't have the space needed. Don't give up on a canoe. If you have a budget that the 120 is going to take, you might want to check out Meyers Sportspal canoes. They're extremely stable, huge weight capacities, and light.(You can occasionally find them on CL). Other options might be Nucanoe, and hybrid kayaks like the Commander or Ultimate. If you're just looking for a pure fishing machine though, probably be tough to beat an ATAK.

I went back and forth and I guess I still am on Kayak vs Canoe.  But in the end (probably 95+%) of the time it will just be me.  Like I said I also was worried about them in a canoe/kayak anyway.  So that's what is leaning me to the ATAK.  But I will certainly take a look at the recommendations.  

[Dypsis]

32 minutes ago, Preytorien said:

Also check out a Vibe Sea Ghost 130 - tons of features at a reasonable price

I certainly will, you have an ATAK 140 - correct (or at least I thought I read you did) or maybe it was @flyfisher .  Care to comment on it at all?

[Felix77]

I have a Ride 115x which I absolutely love.   I am exploring the option of upgrading my yak and the only two I am considering the ATAK 120 or new Radar 115.   The Radar provides the option of a motor, paddle or obviously pedal so that is #1 on my list.   The ATAK is bad ass so I cannot ignore checking out the smaller version.

If they ever come up with an ATAK 120 with pedal there is no debate about getting it.  LOL

[Preytorien]

3 hours ago, Dypsis said:

I certainly will, you have an ATAK 140 - correct (or at least I thought I read you did) or maybe it was @flyfisher .  Care to comment on it at all?

Nope I have a Vibe Skipjack 90. I did a lot of research on them before I bought theirs. It seems like a pretty good outfit, a smaller operation but a great reputation online and like I mentioned they sell excellent kayaks at a considerably lower cost than their comparable competitors. My next move will be to their Sea Ghost 130 - it gets rave reviews from the users on their Facebook owners group that have one. I know i'm overly impressed with mine so far. But heck, that ATAK looks good too, I just would rather pay $900, especially when I see SO much positive feedback from the folks who have the Sea Ghost

 

[J Francho]

I think Vibe are made by OK's parent company.  If so, they are trusted maker.  I like the layout of that Ghost 130.

[Dogmatic]

30 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I think Vibe are made by OK's parent company.  If so, they are trusted maker.  I like the layout of that Ghost 130.

I'm not sure about this. I got promptly corrected when I mentioned this on one of the forums(except I said FF). "Vibe is independent, out of GA" with yaks made in Taiwan(?), not China. I think OK falls under Johnson out of Maine.

[J Francho]

3 minutes ago, Dogmatic said:

I got promptly corrected when I mentioned this on one of the forums(except I said FF).

The Kayak Kops cited you for a violation, huh.  LOL.

I love the internet.

[Dogmatic]

1 minute ago, J Francho said:

The Kayak Kops cited you for a violation, huh.  LOL.

I love the internet.

Very, very touchy about it. Not like I was trashing their yaks, good boat for the $.

[J Francho]

I triple-dog-dare you to say something to a wavewalk owner....

[Dogmatic]

LOL. Really don't bump into them that much. Hobie on the other hand, can't say anything "negative" about them, hobieheads, they'll come after your family. ?

[Turtle135]

I do know a Wilderness Systems Prostaffer in Maryland who has a spare ATAK 140 for people to try out. I suspect an ATAK 140 might have the deck space and stability to have one of the boys onboard (a 120 might as well but I have not seen one of those yet).

If you are interested in trying out the 140 let me know and I can put you two in touch.

 

[Dypsis]

2 hours ago, Turtle135 said:

I do know a Wilderness Systems Prostaffer in Maryland who has a spare ATAK 140 for people to try out. I suspect an ATAK 140 might have the deck space and stability to have one of the boys onboard (a 120 might as well but I have not seen one of those yet).

If you are interested in trying out the 140 let me know and I can put you two in touch.

 

That would certainly be wonderful!!!  Thank you!

[J Francho]

38 minutes ago, Dypsis said:

That would certainly be wonderful!!!  Thank you!

This is one of the cooler aspects of the kayaking community.  Reminds me of the "open seat this Saturday" types of posts on local fishing forums.  Lots of comeradery in the fishing world.

[Turtle135]

2 hours ago, Dypsis said:

That would certainly be wonderful!!!  Thank you!

I just sent you a message.

[Dogmatic]

Let us know if it "pulls to the right"...?

[Dypsis]

1 hour ago, Dogmatic said:

Let us know if it "pulls to the right"...?

Speaking of that, I've read somewhere (on here???) It might be true...

[flyfisher]

14 hours ago, Dypsis said:

I certainly will, you have an ATAK 140 - correct (or at least I thought I read you did) or maybe it was @flyfisher .  Care to comment on it at all?

 I do have an ATAK and I love the boat....what specifically would you like to know?  

[Dypsis]

On 9/29/2016 at 10:05 PM, flyfisher said:

 I do have an ATAK and I love the boat....what specifically would you like to know?  

Sorry was away Fishing Fri-Sun.  I guess I have read/heard enough good things about it.  I would like to know any things you don't like or that could be better.

[flyfisher]

Seat fastening system sucks, i heard they changed it though.  Not a big concern for me anymore because i have a trailer.  Hatches can be leaky.  Mine were fine for the first year but they do take on water while being stored but have yet to have an issue in actual use.  it is heavy but it cruises well and i have no issue paddling 3+ MPH.  I also broke a foot peg on mine a few trips ago and i wasn't even cranking on it or anything.  

Other than that, i really wouldn't change anything.  It is a great boat and the first boat i have owned that after a season or two i wasn't jonesing for something new.