14'
Length
28"
Width (in)
58
Weight (lb)
$1,029
MSRP

Pungo 140 Description

When the adventure calls for more, this kayak answers. Get the added speed and storage of a touring kayak, but with a spacious cockpit. Ideal for larger paddlers.

Pungo 140 Specs and Features

  • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
  • Cockpit Type: Sit Inside
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Wilderness Systems
Pungo 140 Reviews

Read reviews for the Pungo 140 by Wilderness Systems as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

Embed these reviews on your site

5

After spending considerable…

Submitted by: jhtjr on 12/27/2023

After spending considerable time writing a lengthy glowing review the internet swallowed it up before I finished never to be found again. So I’ll be brief.

Great flat to moderately rough water boat. Faster than you’d think - keeps up with longer sleeker sea kayaks. Seals 7.0 spray skirt and WS’s Pungo paddle work well. To me the dashboard is in the way more than it’s useful. Very comfortable cockpit and seat. Take a nap at the shoreline in the boat if the mood strikes you. Stable. Tough as nails.

The only issue - WS stopped making them. BRING BACK THE MIGHTY PUNGO 140!

5

Coming from a SOT and a…

Submitted by: ChuckC on 1/13/2022

Coming from a SOT and a Necky Looksha 17, this boat is SO stable, tracks like an arrow, has a very versatile cockpit from tight spray skirt to open convenience tray, and has a VERY comfy adjustable seat. I may buy another kayak just for something different but I'll never sell my Pungo 140.

5

This is a great kayak when…

Submitted by: paddler1150436 on 2/9/2021
This is a great kayak when you need greater cargo capacity, such as on a multi-day trip with camping gear; when you want to track more efficiently, such as on a lake; and when you want to hop in and out a lot, such as on a river with lots of shallow sand bars where you need greater flotation and a large cockpit.
5

I absolutely love it, super…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 11/30/2020
I absolutely love it, super stable, very maneuverable especially for a longer kayak, and very well built. Very comfortable for long trips paddling.
5

Best allround inland waters…

Submitted by: paddler873899 on 9/13/2020
Best allround inland waters kajak with excellent paddling skills. Faster then you think and verry stable. I am a proud dutch user.
5

My wife and I were using 13…

Submitted by: paddler392997 on 7/27/2020
My wife and I were using 13 ft flat bottomed kayaks for a number of years,figured it was time for an upgrade. After trying out 4 boats we settled on the 14 ft pungo and have never regretted our choice.We are on our 4th season in which we generally paddle 600-650 kms per.(we gps everything) We normally paddle small to med. lakes,streams and sm to med rivers. The v-hull pungo is fast,tracks very well, handles great, stable if you get caught in windy conditions. Seat and foot pegs are easy to adjust while in the boat. We do some camping so we like the two dry compartments. The covers are easy to open while on the the water if the need arises. Don't let the large cockpit measurements turn you off.There is a large storage area behind the seat which is great, add the console (which is nice to have)and you have a nice easy access but snug cockpit.The sides of the boat curl in at the top so the legs braces work great. On the negative side, we found the lower back support lacking a bit. We came up with easy fixes so no biggie. And we are both in our 60's so maybe the problem is ours. A bit more deck strapping would be nice but was an easy fix also.. Our biggest complaint we how easy they scratch. Altho we try to be careful we have some mighty gouges but we do put in at some rough spots ,run into low water at times and are continually going over beaver dams so maybe that problem is ours also . Over all a great rec kayak that is very close to a touring boat.Too bad the 14 ft are no longer available.
5

as a larger paddler, it fits…

Submitted by: paddler834256 on 7/24/2020
as a larger paddler, it fits me like a glove. I love the dry storage and would take it on any weekend camping trip. The boat tracks well and the seat adjusts in any direction for comfort. It's open cockpit is easy to enter and exit as well. For a wide boat, it will keep up with most in it's category. The removable console would be great for a trip but its a bit of a pain if you're just out for the day.
5

Well my experience with the…

Submitted by: awoj64 on 7/10/2019

Well my experience with the first one wasn't great. When stored as directed, upside down on the cowl, it crushed itself into the boat. The keel wasn't straight so paddling the boat was a chore with constant correction, it just wouldn't track straight. I have 4 Pungo 120's and they are great boats. My first contact with Wilderness Systems got a a bland indifferent reception they didn't seem to care that storing the boat as directed by the manual seemed to be damaging the boat and as far as the keel oh well....disappointed was an understatement. After about a year I contacted Wilderness Systems again for suggestions on storage that wouldn't damage the boat (a little hot sun and some bracing and encouragement straightened the previous damage) and found a much more receptive person that was concerned about the keel more than anything. After a few emails and pictures they replaced the boat...way to improve customer service! The new boat is GREAT tracks and handles as it should. very comfortable and a pleasure to paddle

3

Went paddling with my teen…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 6/27/2019

Went paddling with my teen daughter who was in our Old Town Cayuga 130. We had to slug it out against some 20 knot winds and the Cayuga was slicing through the water with ease. The Pongo 140 on the other hand felt a bit like I was paddling a bath tug compared to my experience with the Cayuga. The Pongo 140 is a much better option for fishing, turns a bit tighter, and paddles easy enough in low wind or current conditions, but it is not the boat for a longer paddle in more adverse conditions.

5

Over a 17 year period, I…

Submitted by: tlb on 5/14/2019

Over a 17 year period, I have owned five Pungo 140 kayaks: a solid Home Depot orange, a yellow lighter version that flexed a bit. Both had the old rubber snap-on hatch covers. (So if a used boat you are considering fits this description, you have an idea of its age) Since 2010 all my Pungo 140's have equipped with hinged gray Orix hatch covers. 2018 was the last year of production of the 140 - discontinued probably because the 120 version outsold it. There is a new Pungo 125 length marketed as a larger paddler's kayak which might be more manageable than a 14 footer but I would not paddle it to the 2KR Buoy. (I sold one Pungo to a 300 lb. buyer and I thought that was pushing the limit) This kayak took me to where I wanted to go, even into open coastal waters in winter, of course weather/tide permitting. The 140 is not the fastest, but is the most stable/straight tracking kayak I have paddled. I caught stripers, bluefish, mack's, sand sharks, shad, and smelt etc. - it has room for fishing gear and always got me to my favorite spots on time. I paddled the NH coast in winter but with extra care as waves tend to splash water over the bow into the cockpit, In January 2010, I was paddling the Portsmouth back channels when I found a man who had killed himself with a shotgun on the rocky shore facing where he had lived on a boat, years before.
I always paddled my Pungo 140's for a few seasons and sold them for $525 - $625. Now that this kayak is discontinued, it is uncertain whether the resale value of used but not abused Pungo 140's will fall or rise.

5

Great affordable kayak for…

Submitted by: paddler464703 on 9/10/2018

Great affordable kayak for tall persons such as myself. I went with the 140 for the security of two bulkheads and the length bridges the gap between rec boat and full on sea kayak. It's been comfortable on several 5 hour paddles. Tracks well for bigger water and turns good enough to handle rivers. Only negative is the console interferes with my long legs; it's removable but I lose the convenient storage.

5

This Kayak is worth every…

Submitted by: susball19 on 7/31/2018

This Kayak is worth every penny. I live near the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, and I have taken this beautiful 14 foot kayak under the center of the bridge. It has great stability, and max comfort. The dual bulkheads are perfect for storage and safety if you flip your kayak. It is fast and tracks super well. I have owned it since 2009, and spent every year on the water since. I personally have turned it into a fishing kayak, and it works super well. it is light enough for a large kayak that I can put it on the top of my truck's roof rack by myself. 100% would recommend this kayak and the wilderness systems line.

5

I love this kayak. It has an…

Submitted by: rbynum on 7/31/2018

I love this kayak. It has an open cockpit so it is easy to get a lot of gear in it like fishing and tackle which puts it close to your hands when you need it. I am also a larger guy and it easily accommodates my frame and sits well above the water.

The best feature I believe is the speed of this boat. For an open and larger cockpit boat it runs as fast as other boats like the Tsunami, which I love and provides stability in larger waves and swells.

I cannot say enough good things for this kayak, and I use it for everything from fishing to camping.

5

Great Sailing Kayak! -…

Submitted by: KayakSailor on 7/25/2018

Great Sailing Kayak! - Overall it's a very stable, straight tracking, reasonably fast kayak. I'm older, in reasonable shape, 165 pounds and can paddle around 10 to 15 miles in an afternoon. I love it. Also I recently mounted a Falcon 1.4 meter sale on it and it sails beautifully. The length and stability make it perfect. With the sail and the right wind I make great time, loads of fun. Have never flipped it, even with the sail. Great for photography with it's stability in the water. One bonus is with my weight I figured out I can scoot to the rear of the kayak and easily slide on and off the stern. So I can throw anchor anywhere it will reach bottom and go swim about. How cool is that? The only flaw if it is one is a rudder won't work on it. When sailing it could use the rudder. Normal paddling it doesn't need it at all. But the straight tracking I think is mostly because of it's unique stern. So I'm kind of asking for two conflicting things at once with the rudder.

5

I'm not a heavy user of my…

Submitted by: rrebuck on 7/16/2018

I'm not a heavy user of my kayak, but it has worked well when I have used it. It's also durable, which was evidenced when my nephew inadequately loaded it into the back of a pickup truck and it partially fell out and was dragged a short distance. Somehow the cockpit got hooked on a paddle still in the back of the truck and I was concerned that it may tear/split/break the edge of the cockpit, but that did not happen. I'd never kayaked prior to using this one and am very satisfied with what I've been able to do in this kayak and wish I had the time to use it more. I got the angler package and the rod holder comes in handy. I do with that they had put one of the 2 paddle holding clips a little more forward because I hit it with my paddle stroke. I could probably move it myself, but haven't done so.

5

I was worried about buying…

Submitted by: petersaenger on 2/15/2018

I was worried about buying my first kayak, but after 5 years and many miles, know that this boat was the perfect boat for me. Mostly flat water, but works well in tight turns paddling against the flow in smaller streams. Fro beaver flows, large lakes, and Cypress forests, it has never let me down. The hinged storage lids are something I can't believe all boats don't have- wonderful design and comfort.

4

Bought mine used from…

Submitted by: DAVID-MARK on 9/6/2017

Bought mine used from Charles River Rentals (Boston area) and find it a good fit for a large person (6'2' and 265 lbs). Have been out on 2-3 hour trips and find seat comfortable. As others have noted, tracks straight great, but not suitable for narrow, twisty streams. Have only been out on flat water in mild weather, so cannot comment on more trying conditions,

4

Excellent investment

Submitted by: paddler366104 on 6/2/2017

This is my 2nd kayak I have owned. Previously I had a Necky Rip 12 and felt that I needed to upgrade after gaining more experience. The Pungo 140 exceeded all of my expectations. This recreational kayak has it all (except for a pop down keel). There is plenty of storage in the front dry box as well as the rear. The seat is also fairly comfortable and has a few more ways to adjust for comfort than my previous kayak. The overall weight is what you'd expect from a recreational kayak at around 75lbs dry weight (not recommended for long portaging). My favourite feature is the removable dash with built in cup holders, a place to put extra fishing lures and a small dry compartment.

Overall I am pleased with my purchase and would recommend this kayak

5

I bought the Pungo 140 2 days…

Submitted by: paddler237136 on 9/23/2016
I bought the Pungo 140 2 days ago. I've had it out twice. I bought it as a "geezer boat". I'm 62 and I've been paddling a 16' Dagger that is 23" wide. I needed a boat that is wider and more stable than my old boat. The Pungo is extremely stable.

I love the boat. The seat is more comfortable than I would have thought possible. The cockpit is very roomy and it comes with a drink holder ("console"). The Pungo 140 is a luxury yacht in the world of kayaks. I feel like I'm paddling my living room around. The Pungo is faster than I thought it would be and it tracks really well. It handles moderate waves extremely well. It likes waves!
I am completely thrilled with my Pungo 140.

5

The WS Pungo is a great…

Submitted by: drtmvoss on 9/7/2016
The WS Pungo is a great recreational kayak for all levels of paddlers. My first kayak was a Pungo 140 purchased back in 2001--I chose it because I wanted a boat that would accommodate me comfortably (I'm a queen-sized gal:) and would be easy to paddle on flat water rivers and lakes. The Pungo delivers! It has marvelous stability, but when I did flip (on purpose, to check it out) I easily slid out of the cockpit and re-entered without difficulty.

The Pungo moves on flat water as if it were a skinny sea kayak--I can easily keep up with my paddling partners in their 14-16 footers. An additional perk is that the Pungo can carry a lot of gear. I have gone on mulit-day paddling trips carrying my tent, inflatable mattress and cooler, without any problems. It is also comparatively lightweight, and I have no trouble loading it on my jeep. I now have a couple other boats I use (Hobie Outback for fishing, Perception Torrent for whitewater) but my Pungo is my go-to boat for all-around easy paddling fun.

5

I've had mine for a few…

Submitted by: StevenR60 on 8/11/2016

I've had mine for a few months now and it is perfect at what it's designed for: a comfortable, safe entry level+ kayak designed for day trips or camping trips of 1-5 days on lakes or rivers. I found that up to 10 miles at a pop are no problem at all. The boat is so stable you can fish or even stand up (if your balance is good enough) while on the water easily. The cockpit is huge so bringing your dog out paddling is no problem too (yes, I've seen it done).

Where it wasn't designed to go: small creeks with numerous switchbacks will have you frustrated because this boat LOVES to go straight! Open water paddling clearly wasn't a planned activity by WS for this boat, you can get a skirt for it, but at 28" wide trying to roll it should be an Olympic Event.

Stay inland though and even larger rivers are a joy. I had the unexpected pleasure of "surfing" mine up the Hudson when the tide was coming in and riding the incoming swells felt fantastic! You'll love all of the storage space if you plan on camping a couple of days too.

5

The Wilderness Systems Pungo…

Submitted by: Holls1606 on 7/29/2016
The Wilderness Systems Pungo 140 is designed for beginning to intermediate paddlers. Capacity is up to 350 lbs. Durable GEN2 polyethylene construction holds up to rocky landings and rapids. Seat is very comfortable and is contoured and has perforated foam to increase airflow and comfort. Bungee cords let you fold seat down flat for car-top transport and storage. Foot-braces are shaped to alleviate foot fatigue and can be reset easily while in the boat with a nice ergonomic handle. Hatch cover forms a nice tight seal and are easy to take off and to put on. I love my Pungo! Best investment ever!
2

I'll make this simple and…

Submitted by: paddler236975 on 7/26/2016
I'll make this simple and short. I have paddled many brands. Mostly rec 12 footers. I purchased two 2014 models based on reviews from here. I sold them in 2015. The Pungo 140 is built very well. It's initial, and secondary stability however, are absolutely terrible for a yak with those dimensions. I do not like the hull design at all. The new seat design and foot pegs were very uncomfortable, to not only myself, but friends and family paddling along. I don't know if many of these reviews are industry planted, but the yaks were a huge disappointment.
5

I bought my pungo 140 last…

Submitted by: miko on 7/13/2016
I bought my pungo 140 last summer. Very satisfied with it. I'm glad I didn't buy the 120. No bulk head in the front and I have seen some capsize and the front end immediately goes under water and they are very hard to bring back to the surface once they are submerged.
4

I ordered my Pungo 140 and…

Submitted by: paddler236797 on 5/26/2016
I ordered my Pungo 140 and have had it for 5 months now and it is a fantastic kayak. I debated for some time between purchasing the 120 or the 140 and settled on the 140 since it acts more like a touring kayak than a recreational kayak.

After taking it out weekly on local lakes for the past two months I have come to love several things about it and only one major criticism. The kayak is well made from quality products. The design is very stable and I have pushed it and tried to turn it over a couple of times and haven’t been very successful, short of hanging completely out of the kayak is very stable and difficult to turn over. It is stable enough to fish from and that can involve some moving around, a friend of mine has a 20 year old Pungo and still fishes from it.

The seat is simply fantastic, it is adjustable every way from Sunday, so if you can’t get comfortable between the seat and the foot braces you probably don’t enjoy paddling to begin with. The foot braces seem flimsy at first glance and use but once on the water they have proven stable, durable and easy to adjust while on the water. There is enough space behind the set to put a small cooler with drinks or snacks, or any other miscellaneous items (bilge pump).

3

I only rated my specific…

Submitted by: paddler236746 on 5/4/2016
I only rated my specific Pungo 140 at a 5 for one reason, which I will get to in a bit after talking about all the good aspects of the boat. I've set mine up as a fishing boat andhave added quite a few accessories, my favorite of which is the console, although it does cut down considerably on the size of the cockpit opening. The boat tracks very well and is very stable. Being a 200 pound guy it fits quite well. The weight isn't too great to lift up onto the top of my full-size SUV and that is a real plus.

Now here is the negative:
I bought the boat quite a few years ago and when I received it it had come equipped with a rear bulkhead. No bulkhead in the front however. At the time I didn't give that fact much thought because I liked the size and stability of the boat. The large cockpit opening seemed really easy for getting into and out of. However, the large cockpit coupled with no front bulkhead caused a great problem for me at one point.

I was fishing in Cape Cod Bay and had hooked a very large striped bass. One thing led to another and I ended up capsizing the boat. Of course anything not tied down washed away with the tide but that was no issue. I was able to right the boat OK also. I had a hand bilge pump and was all set to use it... One big problem, due to the lack of a bulkhead in the bow, the boat was filled in the front with water and the bow was pretty much submurged, though not entirely. Normally that shouldn't be much of a problem but the front of the large cockpit opening was also under water which doesn't allow for pumping. There's no way to lift the boat high enough in deep water while swimming to get the front of the cockpit above the water line. So, no pumping. Plus a long swim in salt water, a mile! Thank goodness for the other safety equipment I had on board. I lashed the swamped kayak to my wife's oat and she was able to tow it to shore. This is either a major design flaw by not having a front bulkhead and large cockpit opening or just a manufacturing defect which left out the installation of the bulkhead.

All the Pungo 140's I've seen since have a bulkhead installed in the bow. A bulkhead can even be purchased through Harmony and installed, but to get he manufacturer of the boat to right the situation has been impossible due to their customer service or lack thereof. So, I give this boat only a 5 for safety reasons.

5

Kayak was bought used, but…

Submitted by: jeffcox899 on 4/29/2016
Kayak was bought used, but have tried the new ones with the consoles up front. Mine works great for me. I have a bad wing which makes it difficult to get into/out of. The large cockpit is great for that. Handles great. Take it all the time on two and three day trips in Fla.
4

I purchased a Duralite Pungo…

Submitted by: musichawk on 4/29/2016
I purchased a Duralite Pungo 140 in 2007. The reason for my review now is because of how my opinion has changed over time. The kayak is definitely a flat water boat although you can purchase and use a spray skirt in moderately rough conditions. After the first year, I felt I had outgrown the boat, no longer needed the superb stability nor the roomy cockpit, and the 14 foot length seemed to short to keep up with traditional kayaks. So I went through quite a few "sea kayaks" and enjoyed them immensely. But I kept coming back to the Pungo for 3 important reasons
One, I take a lot of pictures and video, so the initial and secondary stability (like a rock!) are important.
Two, the weight of my Duralite (this wont be true of regular 140s) is so easy to manage alone. I can throw it on the ladder rack of my pickup almost with one hand.
And, three, I no longer worry about ""keeping up"". I paddle at my pace, see more, experience the water better, and can go for hours without ti ring.

I have not experienced the new generation of Pungos but I can tell the hull configuration is the same, or very close to it. I hope at sometime in the future Wilderness produces Duralight versions again! I'd probably get one for my wife!

Initial Stability: 10
Secondary Stability: 10
Speed: 6 (it beats a 10 or 12 ft rec. boat)
Construction: 9 After nine years and a lot of miles on the water the only problem I have had is the rear hatch cover has shrunk making it a real pain to close. No leaks, no fading, even the bungees have held up well.

4

This boat tracks incredible…

Submitted by: codebrown on 9/30/2015
This boat tracks incredible well. It has an extended keel that makes paddling a breeze. Cockpit is huge so no problems with larger people getting in. Stability is high but the trade off to the great tracking and very good speed is that the 14' takes some real effort to turn sharply - something to consider if you plan to paddle creeks & narrow winding channels. Turns can be accomplished, but this boat is made for going in straight lines at speeds comparable to higher-end touring kayaks. Seating system is great, so you will have little discomfort after hours on the water.
4

First I am 57 years old, over…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 9/21/2015
First I am 57 years old, over weight (280lbs) and struggle to get in and out of other kayaks I have tried. I feel comfortable in this kayak and I have room to carry some camera gear in the cockpit. The removable console is very convenient for storing keys, small camera, wallet, etc. and yet it is easy to remove to give one more room if desired. I have had this on calm water, rivers and last week on a 16 mile camping trip on some very rough water and high winds, something I wouldn't do with my canoe which I have had for over 30 years.

The Pungo 140 tracked very well, and despite some waves coming splashing over the top of the kayak all my gear in the holds remained dry. I am very happy with this kayak, and the reason for not giving it a 10 is I haven't had it long it enough to see how well it will hold up to what I hope will be many years of use.

5

I bought a Pungo 140 for…

Submitted by: Crawfish on 9/8/2015
I bought a Pungo 140 for Father's Day as a gift to myself. I searched for a kayak that I could fit in and the Pungo was absolutely perfect. I am 6' 7" and was thoroughly impressed with the size of the cockpit and the range to which the foot pedals can be set. No modifications were needed. I like the console as an option because it provides a little water shed while making many items easily accessible. A proper fitting skirt for wetter conditions was easy to come by and now I paddle in comfort week after week. Made for a big man but still a very sleek craft.
5

This is my go-to kayak. It is…

Submitted by: timbo_222 on 9/5/2015
This is my go-to kayak. It is plenty fast, stable and easy to maneuver. I have used it in ocean, lakes and broad rivers with up to class II rapids and it has never disappointed. Light enough to load and carry to the water by myself. Really I have no complaints on this one.
5

I own two 14' Wilderness…

Submitted by: jackieo1 on 9/4/2015
I own two 14' Wilderness Pungos. Love them for use in Northern WI on lakes and rivers. Like the open cockpit. So much room to put fishing gear, carry a dog or a grandchild. Always feel secure. They track beautifully and are very sturdy. I also have a 12 foot Pungo which I transport to FL and back. I have tried several other brands and am sold on Wilderness.
4

I originally had a Pungo 120…

Submitted by: solbergl on 8/26/2015
I originally had a Pungo 120 and loved it! I decided to upgrade to the 140 after a couple seasons. I wish I would have kept it as a second boat for smaller trips! I purchased my Pungo 140 in 2013 and I absolutely love it too. I have taken many newbies out to try kayaking and usually let them use my Pungo because it is so stable and easy to paddle. It is also very comfortable and I like the large cockpit opening, I do not feel confined or trapped at all.

During the kayaking season I paddle at least once a week on average and have taken it on several weekend camping trips, the storage space is great! It is very durable, over the last 2 seasons it has gotten some scratches on the bottom from sharp rocks and trees etc but as they say every scratch tells a story! The only cons I can come up with is it is a little heavy to carry solo and it does warp if I leave it on my Thule glide and set too long in the sun but any poly boat is going to do that.

Overall I would highly recommend the Pungo 140 or the Pungo 120!

4

I had been wanting a kayak…

Submitted by: WillieG on 7/9/2015
I had been wanting a kayak for years but did not like the confined feeling of the small cockpit boats. I saw the Pungo at a local store and knew it was what I was looking for. I debated buying the 120 or the 140 and ended up getting the 140 for the extra weight capacity and the two bulkheads that gave me flotation on both ends of the boat. The Orbix hatches work great and the plastic construction stands up well to the many rocks I encounter while paddling. I have had it a year now and I am not disappointed. It is very stable and build quality is superb. I highly recommend this kayak.
4

I have owned this kayak for…

Submitted by: mike13 on 7/8/2015
I have owned this kayak for about 4 years. It is the best all around Kayak I have ever used. I do a lot of river and creek runs in slower water. This boat tracks extremely well and is unusually fast for one this size. I own 8 other kayaks and none come close for comfort and handling. It will provide great service no matter the level of experience one has.
5

Pungo is a top quality kayak.…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/5/2015
Pungo is a top quality kayak. After kayakng last summer in South Carolina we were hooked. Called the kayak excursion company and they said all they use are Pungos. Bought two red 14' ones and couldn't be happier. Have taken them on the rough St. John's River and they were solid. We also use them in the intracoastal to fish and really like that they are so stable, you can kick you legs over the side to get wet. the seats are comfortable and adjustable. Easy to transport.
5

I bought a Pungo 140 it is…

Submitted by: bluto_3 on 7/2/2015
I bought a Pungo 140 it is the absolute best boat i have ever paddled, tracks great, seat is the best, compartments seal just fine and counsel is great addition. Can't go wrong for the money. I'm 73 yrs.old and it works for me...
4

I purchased my Pungo 140 6…

Submitted by: donrmackay on 7/2/2015
I purchased my Pungo 140 6 years as a my first kayak. I average 2 to 3 run per seek at about 4 miles each on Barnegat Bay, NJ. I found it to be very stable,albiet very wet. The conditions vary from flat to very choppy with lots of wave rebound from bulkheads. Driving through this confused water is very challenging and great fun. I haven't dumped yet. My only complaint is that the boat has a strong weather helm; i.e. has a strong tendency to want to point up into wind and waves.

All in all I think it is a great boat for beginner and intermediate kayakers.

5

Ideal boat for long paddles…

Submitted by: paddler236301 on 7/1/2015
Ideal boat for long paddles and a variety of conditions. My longest paddle is 4 + hrs with no discomfort. I use it on rivers, lakes and Lake Superior. Large cockpit makes it easy to get in/out for us older and heavier kayakers. Tracks very well and moves thru the water with ease. Not as nimble as other kayaks but I appreciate the stability.
4

Bought the Pungo 140 last…

Submitted by: paddler236313 on 7/1/2015
Bought the Pungo 140 last year as my first kayak. I thought I had purchased the Pungo 120 but when they brought it out of the warehouse it was the 140. I was sold on the two bulkheads! The 120 only had one.

Seat is comfortable and easy to adjust. Bought the kayak from Kenco in Kingston, NY after Bill Kennedy talked to us for about 45 minutes about kayaks, paddles, and everything to do with it.

3

As much as I like how my…

Submitted by: Cynthia on 9/6/2014
As much as I like how my Pungo 140 handlles in the water there r two things that need to be improved. The seat is held w plastic screws and they stripped after the first 2 uses. I now keep a small log under the front of the seat to keep it somewhat elevated. Also for disabaled people such as myself w severe Osteoarthritis kayak builders need to have as an option 2 (towel???) bars along the rim of the cockpit in order to have something to grasp to help pull themselves up.

I do really enjoy my Pungo 140 as its easy to maneuver in the water, is very stable when the lake is a bit rough and has a nice deep, long cockpit that fits my dog as well as myself!!!

5

I recently sold my Pungo…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 9/5/2014
I recently sold my Pungo kayak. It was my first kayak and it was a good choice for my first one. I never learned to do the eskimo roll so the huge cockpit was reassuring. It was pretty stable, even in some big waves, and I never felt in danger of capsize. It was also very maneuverable and easy to handle. I would definitely recommend to any beginning kayaker.
4

I recently rented a…

Submitted by: paddler235933 on 9/4/2014
I recently rented a Wilderness Systems Pungo 140. When I first got in, I commented to my wife that it was the most comfortable seat I've sat in (& I've rented many). I'm glad it was, I kayaked 10 miles of the Charles River in MA. It was the longest trip I have done to date. It also had a very nice glide.
4

I have owned a Wilderness…

Submitted by: mike13 on 8/21/2014
I have owned a Wilderness Pungo 14 for about 4 years. It is the best all-around tracking, riding and paddling yak I've been in. and I have 10 kayaks, all different brands and styles. My seat could use some improvement but I understand the newer models have addressed that issue. Still it's a great boat.
5

I have put my Pungo 140…

Submitted by: paddler235795 on 7/30/2014
I have put my Pungo 140 through some hard water. I had 2 foot chop crashing over the front deck and console going into a head wind. Paddling in a normal rhythm I maintained forward motion. I have one spot I go through called Mark's Cove on the Wareham river where she wants to crab across the water. This is quite amusing.

I find the Air Pro seat quite comfortable but takes some getting use to adjusting the back. I find if I lean forward I can get the back into a straight up position. I have a bad lower back so I am amazed at how I can paddle for 3-4 hours without problems.

5

I bought my Wilderness Pungo…

Submitted by: Cynthia on 7/3/2014
I bought my Wilderness Pungo last year and absolutely love it. Very easy to maneuver, lots of space in the cockpit for me and my dog (she loves to come along) My only suggestion for someone with arthritis like me, would be to install handles on either side of the cockpit at about knee length down to grasp too make it easier to get out
4

Faster than the Pungo 120 but…

Submitted by: nyalaskan on 7/2/2014
Faster than the Pungo 120 but I found that it was pushed around more by the wind. Tracks very well and is extremely stable. Turning not quite as easy as the 120 but not too much of a difference.
5

This is likely the best solo…

Submitted by: jamoaque on 9/25/2013
This is likely the best solo recreational yak I have used! (Note: original purchase date was December of 2010.) Some of the things I like best:
  1. Large, sealed bulkheads BOTH at the bow and stern with very easy-to-use top covers with levers which you simply flip over to open up the lid – it is so much easier than the typical covers which you have to pry around half of the surface to open up, then stretch them forcefully all the way around to re-seal them. Note: I have not yet had opportunity to verify if they are truly watertight (I have no reason to doubt it, but just have not had the circumstances occur to prove that yet).
  2. The speed capability is very good for a 14-footer and for a 28-inch beam. It achieved in the range of 4.2 to 4.9 mph with steady to firm paddling, and up to 5.7 mph at a sprint (which matches its theoretical maximum hull speed, which is not always the case for a given boat). You can even keep it cruising at around 3.5 mph with a rather easy effort.
  3. Tracking is excellent.
  4. Plenty of cockpit room and leg room even at 6'3".
  5. There is a "console" that mounts at the front, top of the cockpit. It includes a smaller sealed compartment that is handy for things like a cell phone, camera, etc., plus has other open storage areas in its top tray too. It is also nice that this cockpit console is removable in case you want open space above your knees instead.
  6. The small storage area just behind the seat is handy while paddling.
Foot peg adjusters are easier to use than most. The seat seems nice and has a reasonably high back; however, I did find that I needed to adjust the height of the backrest down a bit or I got a sore lower back (maybe because when the backrest is higher, it leaves a gap at the lower back). The backrest height is easy to adjust w/ the pull-handle down underneath your legs. Only has a moderate amount of padding on the seat.

Since I have not had the boat a long time, and it was not used a lot before I got it, I cannot comment on durability. A drain plug would be nice, but not critical. I realize for a boat of this size w/ this many features that it will cost me something, but at the $969 MSRP, I did not purchase one until I found one that was lightly used, but at a much lower price. Also for a boat in this price range, it would be nice if there were a good, solid place to run a cable through for locking it up; you can run a cable under the side of the seat, but simply with a screwdriver, you could take out the two side screws that hold seat in place and slip out a cable.

All in all, an outstanding boat, both in performance and in features. I debated between a 9 and a 10 for the rating and ended up with a giving the benefit of the doubt based on these assumptions:
a) the durability will be good
b) the boat price is justified.
If over time the durability is less than I am giving credit for, and if I find other boats that are better in the same class and price range, then I should have given it a 9 instead.

2

NOT EVERY UPGRADE IS AN IMPROVEMENT! I recently purchased a Pungo 140 and…

Submitted by: reygarcia on 8/30/2013
NOT EVERY UPGRADE IS AN IMPROVEMENT!
I recently purchased a Pungo 140 and have had it out on the water quite a few times for long excursions. I used it on 4 different lakes in various conditions & I usually paddle from 3 to 5 hours at a clip, sometimes longer.

I own 3 WS kayaks... a Pungo 100, a Tsunami 145 & now the Pungo 140. I'm a huge fan of WS & have always sung their praises due to their great design & quality build. I've been one of their biggest "unpaid salespersons" & have steered many people to their kayaks. However, for the first time I am disappointed with WS, specifically with the Pungo 140.

Overall, it's a good recreational kayak that can definitely be used for touring. It tracks nicely in a straight line & continues to glide after you stop paddling. It's roomy & very easy to get in & out of. Although it is no speed demon, with proper technique & form, you can have the 140 moving at a brisk pace, especially after you have a good rhythm going. Beginners as well as seasoned flat water kayakers will enjoy this boat. Because of the roominess, it's great for having a child or your favorite pooch sitting up front! The extra volume swallows up coolers, dry bags, etc.

WS "upgraded" the Phase 3 seating to the Phase 3 Air Pro seats. In some ways, it is a welcome improvement. The seating offers more support & is noticeably more comfortable for longer outings. The plastic rivets that affixed the seat cushion are no more. On my Pungo 100 & Tsunami, I've had to replace the seating after the rivets either came loose or the material ripped loose around the rivets. So I was pleased to see that change.

The major problem I have with it is the adjustability of the backrest. WS replaced the simple, single strap that went across the back of the seat with a two strap system that winds in & out to offer adjustability from the front of your seat. The idea was nice, but the design is flawed. The old system on my other 2 boats is incredibly easy to adjust on the fly. You can tug the one ring on the strap & it holds your desired position no matter how hard you lean back. It just as easily loosens when you want to recline the backrest & go into lounge mode for resting & or eating your lunch without having to get out of your boat.

The new system has 2 long straps winding through several contact areas, leading towards the front of the seat. I prefer a more upright seating position when paddling. The upright posture promotes better form & more powerful strokes, and prevents fatigue & lower back pain. I get more support & power when I have the backrest in a slightly more aggressive, leaning forward position. Unfortunately, this cannot be achieved with the new AirPro backrest. No matter how hard I tug & pull on the straps, I cannot acquire the same posture I can with my other two boats. The Air Pro seat lends itself to a more loungy position which detracts from having a smoother, more powerful stroke.

Once I have yanked the daylights out of the straps & have the backrest forward as much as humanly possible, I dare not touch or adjust them in any way while on the water, since its so difficult to get it right again. Even then, after awhile on the water, the seat ever so slowly, starts to recline on it's own. It doesn't hold firmly like the previous design. I'm only 5'9, 175 lbs, so it's not like I have a huge amount of weight pushing back on the backrest.

I spoke to a WS rep & asked if I could speak to someone in their Research & Development department to get advice on how I could remedy this problem and make suggestions for future designs. The rep told me they have R & D people, but they are not set up to take calls from consumers. I was baffled by this. If I were running a company like Confluence (they make WS & other brand kayaks) I would have a hotline directly from the end user to the R & D people. After all, isn't that what should matter the most... what the end user thinks about a product? My pleas fell on deaf ears & the rep simply reiterated several times that he's never had a problem with the Air Pro 3 Seating. I even offered to pay to have them install the previous style backrest strap. (He stated they couldn't do that). He suggested I take the boat to where I purchased it & have them look at it.

My observation is that this is an issue of over shooting with the design & making the "new & improved" seating less efficient.
Oh well. I'm left with having to drill holes & attempt to replicate the old strap system for the backrest. I hope that WS reads this & adheres to the idea that sometimes less is more. Keep it simple. And really take an interest in what a consumer has to say about one of their products that they just dropped a thousand dollars on!

I love Wilderness Systems boats (at least the previous ones), but because of the above, I do not recommend the 140 or the Airpro seating system. (unless you enjoy LazyBoy seating or you're ready to make some alterations to the design)

4

If you want a fast,…

Submitted by: YakinHick on 7/29/2013
If you want a fast, straight-tracking, easy to paddle kayak; the Pungo 140 is perfect. The cockpit is large which translates into comfort, easy entry, and easy exit. The latching hatches are convenient. The kayak has lots of storage room and plenty of leg room. Also, the seats are comfortable and easily adjusted. The Pungo is also a decent fishing yak. The footrests are easily adjustable without having to strain something trying to lean forward!

We have two Pungo 140s. My wife would probably give hers a "10", because she loves everything about it. I gave mine an "8" because the slanted bottom of the kayak under the footpegs gets really uncomfortable on the heels of my big feet after a while on the water. Outfitting foam might solve that.

5

My wife and I both have Pungo…

Submitted by: nonrev on 5/13/2013
My wife and I both have Pungo 140s as we love the large open cockpit which makes it an easy in & out while extremely stable as well as allowing me to move around my long legs when I need a position shift. We continuously receive inquisitive comments from fellow boaters about our craft as they all like its size, cockpit and the way it moves through the water. We have no desire to ever consider a replacement.
4

I recently picked up a Pungo…

Submitted by: BacShortly on 5/13/2013
I recently picked up a Pungo 140, I like LTR's so it was hard to give up on my old logic 'Traveller' (but I'd rubbed all the hair off its belly (scratches)).

First trip 225 miles down the Suwannee (trip report - http://backshortly.wordpress.com/2013/04/21/the-suwannee-river-fargo-to-the-gulf-i/), and the difference was apparent. The Wilderness held a straight line and simply felt 'smoother' through the water. Added storage out front helped to organize things a bit better (personal front/utility back) and I liked that. At first I rejected the console idea, but for paddles such as the Suwannee it worked perfectly.

Being one with a 'pack-horse' mentality, the Pungo fits the bill - plus its a little easier on the pilot along the way...
I like the change.

5

Just purchased the 2012 model…

Submitted by: paddler234990 on 5/7/2013
Just purchased the 2012 model Pungo 140, great kayak and very stable. Had it out on a small lake with a lot of choppy water. Takes a bit to get moving but once going is smooth and steady. Large cockpit great for larger paddlers. Love it for photography, can setup tripod in bottom of boat.
5

I got back in the kayaking…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 1/19/2012
I got back in the kayaking business 3 years ago after a 35 year layoff. I was in a crash in the New River and swore I'd never get in another one. I went to BassPro and bought an Ascend D10 and loved it. Later I went on a few excursions with some friends and was able to observe the Wilderness Systems Tsunamis at work. I liked what I saw and I started checking them out and ran across a Pungo ... when I found out that the hull was the same as the Tsunami I bought a 12 footer and really love this one.

I put a GPS on it and took it for a calm lake trial and was able to maintain 4.3 MPH for about 3/4 of a mile... didn't think that was bad for a 250 lb 5'11" old fart. I didn't buy it to race it but I like fast getaways and it handles perfect... so I did what any logical person would do and bought another demo Pungo 14' Angler. It is faster, sleeker, and as stable or more so than the 12 footer and tracks straight as and arrow ... My guests use the Ascend and my wife uses the 12 footer ... my next one will be a 145 Tsunami ... I've paddled this style on on the Ashley River in Charleston, SC and it was surprisingly easy to get into and out of for my size and tracked very nicely and was as stable as the Pungos...

4

I first purchased a Necky for…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 1/16/2012
I first purchased a Necky for me and a Pungo 120 for my girlfriend. After a few short weeks I purchased a Pungo 140. We love our kayaks and use them often. They are perfect for slow rivers and lakes and track very well. We have pushed the envelope with ours and have a few times been through some class 2 and 3 rapids and they both handled well. My only complaint although not a biggie is that both Pungos leaked into our dry storage. But a tube of marine silicone fixed that problem.

I would and do recommend the Pungo for kayakers who like to go out all day and/or over night. There is plenty of storage for lunch and camping supplies as well as room for a few bottles of wine or your favorite beverages.

5

There is no doubt that this…

Submitted by: paddler234316 on 10/4/2011
There is no doubt that this lil girl will stick with me, fast as she be, stable no compare, sea to shining sea from Teton lake crossings, Lake Michigan waves, from the Snake to the Mighty Wisconsin and all who cross road between, she is my girl, tried and true to me hearts. Class two or a close III, a musky big as me, bass and gillies to thrill she takes me there, all ways and always. And with my others girls they paddle the 12s, full too.

And no wimp this lady keeps up,carries the tents,bags,food,ice,water and my largess she provides yet scratched without complaint she points down still nice and eyes her own she flows right full past her supposed 380 limit. My girl waits while I recover she is ever ready,no wimp she works the fine multichine I need and that is why she is mine.

5

As a former Necky, Lincoln,…

Submitted by: tlb on 9/16/2011
As a former Necky, Lincoln, Eddyline, Prijon, Walden owner, I never missed any of them after buying my first Pungo 140 in 2003. In May 2011 I bought my third Pungo 140. Everything stated in my two other reviews still stands - I like the new hatch style and stern & bow bulkheads - no more float bags! I am working on adding a light fishing rod holder to the gray plastic deck accessory that came with the kayak. The person who bought my second Pungo 140 said it didn't turn as easily as his family's Pungo 120's. That has never been an issue for my paddling style - the longer version provides very good tracking and stability.
4

Well, I've paddled my 14…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 5/30/2011
Well, I've paddled my 14 footer now for two years. I'm 52, 6'3, 215 lbs. I test drove about a dozen recommended yaks, the Pungo was by far the most comfortable (both getting in/out & while on the water), goes 90% as fast as many if not all of 14 footers, & tracks like it's on rails. The downside - no front bulkhead (royal pain to construct one) and minimal rigging, try one out!
5

My wife and I each have one…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 5/30/2011
My wife and I each have one of these. We take them out every weekend when the water isn't frozen. The cockpit is large enough my kid can sit in front of me when we are out on a lake. Love taking it down the North Platte River. Plenty of room for everything you need to pack for a long weekend trip. Very stable and fun to use.
5

Finished my 4th season…

Submitted by: paddler233896 on 1/5/2011
Finished my 4th season fishing with it. It has plenty of room for my tackle. Very comfortable. Quick. With the mini skirt you won't get wet when there is some chop. I have no plans on replacing it.
4

Of seaworthiness, that…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 11/19/2010
Of seaworthiness, that quality which constitutes a kayak; that component without which tracking is poor and stability is lacking; that design which carves turns, handles waves, makes crossings, and wins races—the superiority must, with some reluctance be accorded to the Nighthawk. It is not to be suggested that of this hydrodynamic efficiency the Pungo had only a little, because the Nighthawk had more; for every other kayak since the Nordkapp must give respect to the Pungo; and even of the Nighthawk it must be said that if it has more secure bulkheads, it has not better comfort. The Nighthawk's expeditions were always exciting, either prompted by some long coastal exploration, or required by some big kayak race; it cruised without resistance, and raced without competition. What its hull could supply at sea, or provide in a long crossing was all that was needed, and all that was achieved. The stable design of the Pungo enabled it to reassure new paddlers, to provide comfortable seating, and to satisfy all that fishing might require, or camping might demand. If the races of the Nighthawk therefore are faster, the Pungo provides relaxed paddling. If of the Nighthawk’s hull the appearance is that of a sportscar, of the Pungo's the look is more of an SUV. The Nighthawk often leads the other kayaks, and the Pungo never falls far behind them. The Nighthawk is paddled with consistent excitement, and the Pungo with continual satisfaction.
5

After having used many…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 10/13/2010
After having used many reviews on this site for reference, I thought I should finally give back and write a review of the only kayak I have owned thus far – the Wilderness Systems Pungo 140. I bought my Pungo 140 in May 2005 when an Eastern Mountain Sports store was closing in our area, and the boat was 1/2 off. I had no idea what I was buying, but it was their last kayak left, and I thought at the very least I could buy it and then research it. If it turned out to be a poor boat, I figured I could sell it really cheap and still make a hundred bucks. When I got home, I researched the boat, and found out that it had spectacular reviews and a lot of features for a "recreational" kayak.
Man were they right!

I have definitely paddled this boat more than it was designed for – Georgian Bay, Algonquin, Allagash Wilderness River in Maine, Lake Erie, Acadia NP and Casko Bay in Maine, Outer Banks NC, and recently 107 miles down the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh.

Because it's 14ft long, it tracks well and I'm able to keep up with the rest of our club who are all in 16-18 foot boats. Sure, we have to paddle a little harder, but haven't had a problem keeping up yet. We frequently run Class II rapids, and have stumbled into a couple Class III rapids without incident. We are very comfortable in our Pungos, because they are very stable. But we have also learned to maneuver them very well. I think the Pungo edges very well. I once raced a 16 ft kayak around a small island, and he had a rudder. I didn't win, but I didn't lose by much. I edged it all the way around and kept up stroke for stroke.

The cockpit is huge, but I bought a full-length spray skirt for it. With the skirt I am able to confidently paddle in 3-5 ft swells. This past summer, I even learned how to flip the boat over and stay in it. I can't roll this boat up because of its width, but I can roll it back up with assistance from another paddler using the bow rescue or paddle-bridge rescue. I was truly amazed when I found out that I didn't have to wet exit the Pungo when inverted. Because the Pungo only has a rear bulkhead, I always put floatation or gear in the front of the boat to keep water out. A large floatation bag from NRS is perfect.

This boat fits enough gear for a week, at least. My girlfriend and I both have Pungo 140s, and we are able to pack them pretty liberally with room left over. Keeping in mind we are backpackers and have mostly small, light gear, we are able to pack the dual-burner Coleman stove and propane, full size camp chairs, and soft-shelled coolers which can keep things cool for a day or two. The coolers fit behind the seat perfectly. It's not quite canoe capacity, but people are very surprised when we bring the chairs and stove out.

So I got my boat in 2005 and in April 2008 I ran it past a rock in a small, very cold creek. The Pungo breached in three places along the starboard hull. A two-inch gash, a ten-inch gash, and another two-inch gash. I was so bummed. I didn't hit the rock very hard, and I had certainly scraped the boat worse in the past. I'm not sure if the April cold waters had anything to do with the breach. Anyway, I was able to finish the trip, taking on very little water. Duct tape would have helped, but alas, I had none. I called Wilderness Systems customer service, and after sending pictures of the breaches and the hull, they replaced the boat without any cost to me! They had to build one from scratch, so I chose a different color, and it was built to the 2008 feature specifications which included much more deck rigging and thigh braces – both extremely welcome additions. Unfortunately, a front bulkhead was not yet standard. I think they have changed that recently and starting shipping Pungo 140's with front and rear bulkheads. Anyway, I can't say enough good things about Wilderness Systems' customer support and how they took care of me.

Around the same time I was getting my new Pungo, my girlfriend also bought a used Pungo 140 off of ebay. Her boat is identical to my first one – probably pre-2006, and only had the single piece of deck rigging, and no thigh braces. This makes it impossible to carry a spare paddle on her deck, and she struggles to find room for all the safety gear that you’d like to have handy, like pump, paddle float, throw bag and tow line. But even without the thigh braces, she is also able to stay in the boat when inverted and can do an assisted roll with a bow or paddle-bridge rescue. The newer Pungo 140s are much nicer with the added features. And I'm sure the new ones with the front bulkheads are a dream (except now you can't pack the camp chairs!).

All in all, part of me thinks that we should be featured in Wilderness Systems advertising because of everything we have done in this boat, from Class II-III rapids, to open water crossings on Lake Erie, Georgian Bay, Outer Banks, and Maine, to week-long wilderness river trips down the Allagash, Nemakagon and Allegheny Rivers. The only we can’t do in these boats is portage any significant distances. But then my rational side thinks that WS would be crazy to advertise what we have done, because they probably don't want the average beginner, recreational kayaker attempting anything near what we’ve done in our Pungos. I guess that would be a huge liability!

So let me state that the Pungo isn't designed for class II-III rapids, and is definitely not a sea-worthy vessel. We have used them on the Great Lakes and the Atlantic, but in fairly moderate conditions. I'm very comfortable in my boat, but we paddle a lot, and we practice our safety and rescue skills at least annually. I have also performed two real rescues in Lake Erie. But if we really had to paddle 10 miles back to shore in rough conditions, we would probably be exhausted because our boats are too short to slice through waves and stay on course. So we would burn a lot of energy on correction strokes (particularly in following seas). And someone would inevitably end up being towed, putting others at risk. Because of this, we are now looking for 17-18 foot, truly seaworthy boats so that we can do open water more confidently.

But I still can't say enough about how extremely happy we have been with our Pungos. It is an awesome boat for starting out in and learning how to paddle, edge, and do rescues. And you can take it pretty far before upgrading to a true sea kayak, if that's where you end up – like us.

4

I've owned my Pungo 140 for 3…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/7/2010
I've owned my Pungo 140 for 3 summers now, and use it 2 or 3 times per week for exercise, and to get out on the water. I like its stability, ease of exit & entry, and that it has plenty of room for my legs. At 6'3" I wanted something I could get into & out of easily & this kayak is a breeze. I use it exclusively on lakes & ponds in northern New England for short day excursions.

Mine is a leftover 2006 model, and it doesn't have the dashboard, which would be nice. I bought a miniskirt for it soon after purchase, and I feel this is a necessity. Waves don't break into the cockpit, and water from the paddle blades doesn't drip in either. It's also nice to shade your legs in mid-day sun or to pull up on a cold spring or fall paddle.

I've never had a problem with the hatches, nor with the bulkhead leaking. As for stability, I love taking it out on lakes on windy days and bobbing around, mini-surfing in 3' or 4' waves. It's not the fastest nor lightest recreational kayak, but a 14' boat usually isn't.

Oh, the seat is pretty good, too. I have chronic back pain, so am careful about what I do lifting, twisting, sitting, etc. I've found that by changing the back angle, the seat pad angle, the foot bracing, etc, I can keep my back from getting too mad at me. I don't know if there's a better system, but this is very good, and has kept me going when I thought I'd have to quit due to back strain.

I've decided to go with a touring kayak, so am selling this to buy a Tsunami. I hope I won't regret it, but feel after 3 yrs that a touring kayak is where I should go.

If you want a stable boat for getting out to fish, paddle on lakes, or for short camping trips, this is a great boat. I give it a 9, only because I don't give 10's very often.

5

As a large kayaker 6'4"…

Submitted by: paddler233507 on 3/23/2010
As a large kayaker 6'4" 260lbs. I have limited choices so, I own two kayaks, a Capella 173 Carbon Kevlar $3K and a Wilerness Pungo 140 $820. The Capella is the best kayak I have ever paddeled but, I am going to say that the Pungo 140 is my go to choice for most if not all non- ocean trips. It is extremely stable and tracks a little slower but, I hope that someone with larger size also has good power for turns. You won't have any trouble keeping up, it is fast.

This is my second Pungo as I foolishly sold my first one when I bought my Capella. The new 2009 model that I bought has the new hatches, and front cockpit tray. Take a sponge, bilge pump, and do the front bulhead for contingency waves. Knock on wood, this kayak is so stable I have not turned my new one over yet. I paddle 1-2 times per week with two clubs, join a meetup group or club in your area its free and you will learn a lot.

The price is really cheap, 815-850 plus tax is the price most shops sell these for in my area. I can't say enough how comfortable this Pungo is inside, you will adjust a few time but, Wilderness has been very smart and now sacrificed their quality seat. I did break the little switch under the cup holder but, my kayak shop replaced that free of charge.

I hope Wilderness keeps improving and beefing up this model. The 2009 model has a few subtle changes that I really like versus the 2006. My suggestion, go rent one first, I think anyone who buys a kayak blind is taking a chance, I tried the Tsunami first and really thought I would buy one but, my buddy let me use his Pungo and I was very very surprised. Stay safe, I know I really like mine. BTW If you are not experienced and getting into this, choose a bright colored one, power boaters are really really dangerous in my area.

5

Just a follow up to my review…

Submitted by: paddler233487 on 2/20/2010
Just a follow up to my review last May. if you are a big guy and want to do some paddling.. then get this boat. I did god knows how many hundreds of miles in this boat last season and cant wait for the weather to warm up a little. from lakes,rivers to the open ocean and paddling next to Seals & Whales(yea scary for a beginer) this boat is top notch. No issues at all. Very stable and can pack a ton for camping trips! if you can find one... buy one. Email me if you have any questions!
4

I bought my Pungo 140 in…

Submitted by: morgan_2408 on 10/16/2009
I bought my Pungo 140 in August 2008. I love the boat and realize its shortcomings. I got the boat primarily for use on large lakes and the Delaware River, the areas for which it excels. I'm a large man so the cockpit is comfortable and easily accessed. The boat glides beautifully and is fast and true. It does NOT turn quickly and easily though so it is not suited for class II and above rapids. I use my Loon 138 for those rivers.

Mine came with the Kayak Konsole which is neat and keeps my gear within easy reach. The area behind the seat is large but also makes putting a skirt on this boat difficult. There's lots of space in the rear bulkhead area and I just ordered a bulkhead for the front. WS is now making the Pungo with a forward bulkhead and you can order one from your dealer. That will help immensely with keeping water out of the boat while going through large wave trains.

I have had a couple quality issues with my boat. The pull on the Phase 3 seat for pulling the seat back up came off about six months after buying the boat and I cannot get it back on. My rear deck cover keeps popping off in warm weather (which is why WS went to a new system) and can be a pain in the butt. I resealed my rear bulkhead after some leaking began and now its good.

I love the boat, it does exactly what I needed it to do but be careful you read the reviews and get the boat suited for your paddling needs. Different kayaking opportunities require different boats.
Seals now makes a neoprene spray skirt for this boat with a zipper. Unfortunately I cannot find one and EMS was unable to order the correct one for me...

5

I traded in my Pamlico 160T…

Submitted by: paddler233400 on 10/2/2009
I traded in my Pamlico 160T this past spring and after much research, I purchased the Pungo 140. I am 6'2 at 240#. I have taken this yak out on the open ocean, the sound side of North Carolina and Pennsylvania flat water lakes. I am very happy with this boat. My old Pamlico was about as fast as a barge and tracked like a top. The Pungo 140 lives up to the reviews. It's fast for a rec boat and tracks nicely. It is comfortable and very stable which makes it wonderful to fish from.

This is a great boat for larger paddlers but keep in mind that it is still a recreational boat. Don't expect the console to keep waves out when trying to get through the breakers. The cockpit is large which makes it easy for you (or big waves) to enter and exit (bilge pump required). It has lots of storage and (as a bonus) you can easily access the space behind the seat while paddling along. I keep a small tackle box there and it’s out of the way until I need it. The upgraded hatches on the 2009 models are a must and they also improved the seal around the bulkhead making it very water tight. If you are a recreational paddler take a long, hard look at this kayak.

5

I just bought this kayak used…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/23/2009
I just bought this kayak used and couldn't wait to take it out on the water. I love it! It's a bit bigger than my Ultimate 100 but I'm sure I'll get used to it. The Phase 3 seating is very comfortable. It tracks excellent, speeds along very nicely, and has nice glide. However, it turns like a tank (but what do you expect?) I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who wants a great flat water boat that stows lots of gear.
5

Great kayak! This is my first kayak and I think this one…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 6/9/2009
Great kayak!
This is my first kayak and I think this one is great, just being new to the sport I find this one very easy to use, tracks straight, stable and quick, average about 5 km per hr. Being 14' long it is great for Lake Ontario.
5

Great boat! I read a lot of…

Submitted by: paddler233094 on 5/1/2009
Great boat! I read a lot of research about kayaks and this being my first boat I am extremely happy with my purchase. I got the boat last month at the Kittery Trading Post paddle sports show at UNH. Got the 09 Pungo for a couple hundred less retail and no sales tax. Great Event.. bought everything there and I mean everything including two Thule racks!

The Pungo 140 is great - wide, stable, tracks straight and has lots of storage. I'm a big guy at 6' 270 and I fit fine with plenty of room. Two Thumbs up from me.

4

This is a very stable kayak…

Submitted by: Bloss on 4/25/2009
This is a very stable kayak that likes to go straight. It is actually quite fast for a boat this wide. Plenty of room for storage and very user friendly hatch covers. The only two complaints I have are that it is a fairly wet ride due to the considerable paddle drip that ends up in the cockpit and the seat started to pinch my backside after the first hour. This latter problem can probably be fixed with a gel pad and the first can be resolved with a mini-spray skirt. All in all a nice boat after the two issues are addressed.
5

I tried out a lot of Kayaks…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 3/17/2009
I tried out a lot of Kayaks these past two weeks and kept bouncing around touring and rec. We picked up a Necky Zoar Sport for my fiance and I went with the 09' Pungo 140. I took it out in the intercoastal here in S.Jersey and it was awesome!! It tracked straight as an arrow, was fast, and carved hard when I wanted to make a sharp turn.

I LOVE the new hatches and the console is made with heavier material as well. I got the sand color which is really nice. I have a Seals Splash deck and that kept the drips off. I have to say this yak performed flawlessly... nothing like the Heritage Featherlite 12 I had for a week and returned. Awesome yak...highly recommend. I am 5'6" 230lbs.

5

Like some of the others…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 3/4/2009
Like some of the others reviewers, I am a big guy also. 6'1" 285 lbs.
The 140 is great for me. We now have 3 and purchased the full spray skirts and the clip on hatches. We have done complete self contained camps in these (Wife, son and myself). We plug the nose with the tent and (believe it or not) 2 folding camp chairs and full size axe. The back end with heavy goods (beer and wine and food) and the top with sleeping bags, clothes etc in wet sacks and all the other necessities (stove, cooler, etc). Never an issue. For fun we added up the weight in my yak and it was a whopping 425 lbs. Sure on the rough days across the lake the nose was cutting thru the waves and up on deck but at no time was there any sense of danger or loss of control. It tracks beautifully. I just bought swivel yak clips because I need somewhere to lock the paddle into while taking the camera shots or drinking that "drink". cheers.

PS: Our friends rent every time, they have tried everything out there. The other husband is 6' and about 260 lbs and he now will only ever rent a 140 as he is sure the others will submerge or tip and he is extremely uncomfortable in them.

5

I just bought another Pungo…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 2/27/2009
I just bought another Pungo 140 (new), Wilderness has changed the hatches, and that's a good thing. They are much better than the rubber hatches that were on the Pungo. I am a river paddler, backwater and swamps. There's not a better boat for these applications.

I have 2 - 140 Pungo's, 1-Duralite 120 Pungo, two Prion yaks and a Hurricane 16-5. I use them all but I use the Pungo most, it's fast, stable and I'm able to pack a lot of camp gear in it. Plus the large cockpit is a big plus, pardon the pun. Now throw in the phase 3 seat and you have a rec boat that can't be beat. I have modified a canopy top to fit on top and that works great for sun or rain. The new boat rates a 10, only because I can't rate it any higher.

5

After some research and a day…

Submitted by: paddler232992 on 8/25/2008
After some research and a day of demo paddles, I purchased a Pungo 140 from Alden of Sunapee in NH 3 years ago. As a true (and permanent) beginner wanting to only paddle in calm or slow moving water, the 140 had what I was looking for (large cockpit, stability, and a comfortable seat); I fit nicely (6'2" 250+); and, with very little technique, I can paddle it quick enough and straight enough.

This summer, after trying a couple of times to paddle a tandem with my wife, we traded the Pamlico 135T in for a new Pungo 140 Duralite for my wife. In addition to the lighter weight, the new model has some nice upgrades, including the padding on the cockpit opening (which help protect the knees when paddling, and the shoulder when carrying it) and the dashboard (which gives you some nice small water tight storage).

Thanks to the sales lady at Aldens, we went with the 140 for my wife rather than the 120 which we originally thought about buying. We are glad that we did, although after a couple of times out, she was not just keeping up, but passing me on occasion.

If you are a big boy or girl looking for a recreational kayak that will make you seem like an experienced kayaker, the Pungo 140 is a sure bet.

If you live in the Northeast, you should check out Alden of Sunapee in Newport, NH as a place to shop. They are a small shop with everything you need. They have the knowledge, the advice, the service, a wide range of inventory, and a great place to try them on the water before you buy.

If you are looking for a good place to paddle after you buy it, you should take a trip to Wells Harbor in Wells Beach, ME (Maine). There are a variety of places to paddle, all protected from the ocean. Don't forget the sunscreen!!!

4

I am 6'7" 285lbs! Yes thats right! I just bought a brand…

Submitted by: paddler232669 on 6/19/2008
I am 6'7" 285lbs! Yes thats right!
I just bought a brand new lime green Pungo 140 Duralite. It came with the front and rear hatches. Foot pegs did not need to go all the way and the seat is very comfortable! I would like to see a rudder on this just to turn on winding rivers. I dig deep into the water and can get up to speeds. Haven't had any waves and have not bought a skirt yet. I did get the plastic tray with a third hatch on it and its really cool. Taking it on the Charles River for the fourth and ride the wakes from the boats. Lots of room.
Don't have anything to say bad about it yet.
5

Just bought my second Pungo…

Submitted by: tlb on 5/12/2008
Just bought my second Pungo 140 in Newbury MA after looking everywhere within a 150 mile radius of home. Any differences? The comb is flexible, softer than first Pungo. Guess I can overlook that one Confluence - I like the new braces, the seat, and the hull design seems the same. Noticed & corrected by dealer - foot braces had been factory installed upside down.
5

I just purchased my third 140…

Submitted by: kayaksuw on 4/8/2008
I just purchased my third 140 - have one 120 also. Bought the first one 5 years ago - had canoed for 30+ years and am 6 ft and way large. I am an instructor and use the Pungos to overcome "stability" issues within minutes of launch.

I do not do sea kayaking but have had a few "white cap" issue in large lakes and no problems. I have paddled 140 rentals in Coastal Maine and the water was not flat and the Pungo was fine. I normally paddle 15-30 miles many weekends year round.

I read about all of the problems with these boats - deck rigging - took me two hours on each boat to customize mine and what paddler wants their boat the same as anyone else?

Flotation in the bow - a super large ziplock bag or another dry bag and you have your flotation. I would not want a bow bulkhead. When I camp I STUFF stuff until it is really full. I put my BIG AGNES bag in a compression bag along with my tent and it slides lovely into the bow along with many other odds and ends.

Fishing! - wow what fun in this comfortable sit-in - we have some very fertile lakes here - old reclaimed phosphate mines . The panfish grow to such sizes that they pull the Pungo around. Speaking of kayak fishing - I take newbies fishing. What a great tutorial for boat control. Fishing and river clean-up are great boat control tools and the Pungo excels in all of these.

There are many great boats out there but the Pungo line works for me as a touring, instructional, fishing and just all around fine boat . I have tried many boats and bought several and subsequently sold them.

When you look at a boat that you will spend HOURS in - look at the Pungo behind the seat storage. I put a day pack, large Camelbac, rain gear and a small soft sided cooler back there.

5

I bought my first Pungo 3…

Submitted by: paddler232368 on 10/31/2007
I bought my first Pungo 3 years ago after test paddling 7 other brands and models and I will go on record as saying this is "the" best 14' rec boat I could have bought. It does everything I have asked of it plus more. It has lots of storage, very stable, superb tracking!!...and I personally found no need for a front bulkhead that a few dry bags couldn't handle, actually I prefer it to not have a front bulkhead because I carry a soft sided fish cooler with me to take some of my catch home and it fits perfectly in that area between my feet (very easy access)

I have paddled this boat all over and in different types of water from the Pamlico Sound on the outer banks of North Carolina, lakes and rivers of Michigan (incl. The great lakes)and I now live in Florida and have paddled from the Gulf to the backwater mangroves and this boat does it all. I have it rigged for fishing but it will also carry a ton of camping gear. This boat if rigged properly (a no-ceeum net instead of a spray skirt) and proper ultralight camping techniques a person can lay down "set the net" from inside and sleep on the beach in that cockpit and be the first one to the fish in the morning ...you can't do that with a bulkhead installed. You can't do that with any other brand of boat in that class.

I encourage people to paddle all kinds of boats and then make their decision, one boat isn't right for everyone. But this week I just bought another Pungo 140 and now I have 3...the whole family loves them. My wife and I are 45 years old and will have these boats for along time… like I said they do everything. A 10 +++

4

I bought this boat one week…

Submitted by: susanj on 9/10/2007
I bought this boat one week after we bought the 120 and we love both of them. I plan on installing a forward bulkhead at some point. It's a bit heavy for this 48 year old woman, but I am so pleased with handling and comfort and tracking is good. Stability is very good in this boat and they are good for fishing and camping. Wilderness Systems boats are very good quality.
4

This is my third and best…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 9/1/2007
This is my third and best yak. I tested out a rental after my lumbar area was killing me after a long day in my previous kayak, and I knew I would have to find something else for those long trips without breaks. The seat is fantastic in this yak; maybe as customizable as the inflatable bladder versions in the touring yaks, but achieving the same results with easy to reach straps and pulls. One in front by the drink holder adjusts the height of the backrest; one under each knee adjust each thigh support separately, and one behind the right shoulder adjust the seat back angle.

The reason I only gave the 140 an '8' was the lack of a front bulkhead. Being accustomed to a flat bottomed yak, my second trip out in this slight v hull resulted in my rolling it over after going over a 4' high dam. As others have said it was impossible to bail empty without beaching and turning it over. Fortunately I was in a not-too-wide river as it would have been dangerous in the chop of a bay or ocean. I read another reviewers comment that the company will email you a bulkhead template and sell you the foam block to fit one yourself, but that information is not quite accurate; they promised to email me the template (it's been 5 days and it's not here yet) but they won't sell the foam block. They said "go to any dealer of Wilderness Systems kayaks and they will order it for you." My dealer said he had never heard of that (and he's been a dealer of theirs for years), but promised to look into it for me. To not offer a front bulkhead is foolish to begin with, but why bother to have a front hatch if you don't have a front bulkhead? Seems stupid from the get-go!

As for the handling and speed of this yak, I am more than pleased with its quietness and smooth glide and considerable swiftness, but I am still learning to anticipate starting my turns in narrow, tight, winding streams early enough as this yak doesn't exactly turn on a dime as my flat bottomed yak does. In the flat bottom yaks they use channels and chines for tracking control, while the gentle v hull doesn't need them. But that v means no 'turn within your length' maneuvers as I have become accustomed to. And leaning doesn't help carving a turn one iota! The only other thing I found missing was side bungee straps for holding my paddle that my previous yak had, but I've already added those in myself. The front and rear bungees are only good for small packs and accessories.

On the whole I am quite pleased with this kayak, and my much more experienced yak buddy has commented that it is one good looking and running yak. Buy one and you won't be disappointed!

5

I purchased a Pungo 140…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 8/31/2007
I purchased a Pungo 140 several months ago for the purpose of flyfishing and because of the the cockpit size and weight capacity. During these months I have found the yak to be far more than what my expectations were originally. It is stable enough for fly fishing and has caught several bass. The initial stability: great for newbies, photography, bird watching, and fishing. During the several months I have used it on flat water, tidal rivers and open sea. My finding are that it tracks very well for a 14', it speed is all of anything that Perception or Wilderness has produced in the poly line. It's great in waves up to 2.5 ft and exciting at 3 ft.

There are two things that you must do prior to using the 140 to it's max: that is a forward bulkhead (easy to install) and a #7 Seal skirt. Oh by the way the level bow does cut the waves at 2 ft., but never falters the speed or tracking.
Great yak and great price.

4

I have made several trips…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 8/21/2007
I have made several trips with my Pungo 140 and I cannot find a thing I don't like about it. I haven't installed a front bulkhead yet. But, the half-skirt gives me about all the safety I need in rough water. I have two pvc pipes cut along side a narrow waste basket behind the seat to hold my rods and tackle box and keep my fish in a soft sided cooler in front between my legs. There is no need to put holes in this kayak to make it an excellent fishing boat.
4

Just bought it new this…

Submitted by: paddler232121 on 6/25/2007
Just bought it new this summer. I was looking for a rec boat with plenty of room in the cockpit (I'm about 5'10 and 225lbs), good stability, but not too slow so that I struggle to keep up with friends that have narrow day touring boats.

This boat fits the bill perfectly. I tried about 8 boats before this one and it was no contest. I've been fishing out of it and it is VERY stable. Had a storm blowing in the other night and had to rush back in - no problem keeping up with my friend in his 16ft touring boat. I love the roomy cockpit and the padded thigh braces. Debating whether or not to install a front bulkhead -- it makes good fishing pole storage without one, but I guess I can install a rod holder behind me. The only thing I don't like is that the cockpit is so long that it's really a stretch to try and reach anything you attach to your front deck rigging.
I give it a 9.4/10

5

My wife and I (retired), own…

Submitted by: paddler231960 on 3/16/2007
My wife and I (retired), own 3 Pungo 140's and one Pungo 120 which is my fishing yak. Our grandgirls love the yaks and are quite skilled in their operation. Over the 5 years we have had Pungos, we have had an 83 year old 'senior' take his first solo, ON NEW YEARS DAY in Wisconsin, (cooling lake for a large power plant), and a 76 year old woman, in the summer who went over 4-5 miles on her first trip. We love all our Pungos & have encouraged over 10 other people to buy one. They love them also.

HINT: For installing the stern oval hatch cover, clean the cover and the plastic and spray a small amount of 303 on each & spread it around with your fingers. The cover goes on with a snap.

We can't find anything wrong with all 4 Pungo's. In the bow, we use 3 waterproof bags, each with a different colored 1/8" rope attached. Food is in one bag, essentials, (sun screen, tp etc. another and the third has a waterproof plastic case with cell phone, camera, GPS, compass etc. When we want something pull in that cord--when finished, push it back with the paddle or your foot.

Clothes, and other (dry) equipment goes in the rear bulkhead, and a 6 pack cooler goes behind the seat. Wilderness Systems now has a plastic unit called a "DASHBOARD" which fastens like a small spray skirt right in front of the operator. It is new this year, 07, and is a magnificent for fishing or where ever you need a rigid support.

We use a Dirty Dave anchor trolly to anchor by either the bow or stern.

The Pungo is a 10+ in our opinions.

4

I have had Pungos for 4 years…

Submitted by: jackieo1 on 3/7/2007
I have had Pungos for 4 years now. I bought my first one in FL after using it in the coastal waters around Sanibel Island. Previously I had an Old Town Egret. I bought the Pungo 140 to use on Northern WI rivers and lakes. I like it much better for control, room for fishing gear,and lack of tipability. Last fall I used it on the backwaters of the Mississippi with no problem. It is excellent for fishing and paddling the rivers here in WI. I installed rod holders, paddles holders and more rigging. So far the missing bulkhead in front has not been a problem but I understand it can be ordered from Wilderness. I have sold many friends on the Wilderness Pungos.
4

I tested about four diffrent…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 3/5/2007
I tested about four diffrent boats last fall and fell in love with both the Pungo 120 and 140 for speed and comfort over the Tarpon models. I spent a few months researching before I brought the 140 as well. I really love the seating and can spend darn near all day just drifting around in it. I'm new to kayaking. So, I can't speak with authority about it's speed except that it is faster than the sit on tops that I've tried. I am well aware of the mentioned flaws such as lack of a front bulkhead and sparse deck rigging. In time, I will make some modifications to the boat. But I can see the 140 meeting my needs in fishing and exploring the rivers and large creeks around West Point, VA. With more experience, I'll probably write another review. Right now. I'm too satisfied.
5

I know Wilderness Kayaks has…

Submitted by: biteme3322 on 2/7/2007
I know Wilderness Kayaks has gotten some bad reviews but I had a very nice experience with them. I e-mailed them regarding a forward bulkhead for the Pungo 140. They called me and gave me the part #982009, cost $42.00 + S&H. She also e-mailed me the template to make one on my own. Great service. I have added rigging from Harmony and have been camping and the boat holds a ton of stuff. Just wanted to give Wilderness some good press.
4

I’ve been paddling my Pungo…

Submitted by: Smithfield_Paddler on 1/23/2007
I’ve been paddling my Pungo 140 (Normal poly lay up)for about two years now. I’m 6 foot tall and about 190 lbs. I have to say that this is probably one of, if not the best, Recreational kayaks out there. It’s got a pretty good cruising speed of about 3.5 mph. Above that you have to start working. I find I don’t have much trouble keeping up with “real” sea kayaks on a flat water tour unless the wind picks up above about 12 mph. She can handle small seas of about a foot pretty well so long as they are ahead or astern. On the beam can get a little scary and I don’t recommend due to the large cockpit and inability of fitting her with a skirt that won’t implode under the weight of the water. That said, I do highly recommend the mini skirt for this boat to keep the paddle drips off your lap.

For camping on flat(ish) water, I would say that this boat is awesome. You can pack a ton of stuff in her. I agree with others about the lack of a front bulkhead so I installed one myself. It wasn’t exactly easy but the peace of mind is worth it. And yes, on flat water you would deliberately have to try to capsize to get her to go over. The deck rigging was also lacking but I see that Wilderness Systems has addressed that somewhat in their newer models. This is easy to fix and actually kind of fun.

If you hope to develop intermediate kayak skills then this boat will stop you just shy of that goal. It doesn’t really respond to an edge but it can carve a turn with a low brace. Of course, rolling is out of the question. But you can bring a cooler or tackle box with no problem. I have also had my young kids sit in the cockpit in front of me while I paddle. Try that in an NDK Romany.

So, great rec boat . Good Speed. Tracks well and doesn’t weather cock too bad (If it does you probably shouldn’t be out in that weather). You can pack it like a barge but it doesn’t paddle like one. Comfortable to paddle for hours. I’ll be moving on to a more serious boat but if I had the storage space I would keep her.

5

I read the reviews here last…

Submitted by: paddler231843 on 10/13/2006
I read the reviews here last fall before I found my new Pungo 140 on Ebay for a great price. All winter I was thinking about those who felt it needed more floatation, just in case it ever tipped, filled with water. Well, it stays at our cabin at an inland northern WI lake and I used the Pungo 140 many times and enjoyed it. It would be hard to tip over in water normally, like one would really have to try and to me, it's just not an issue. Last weekend I had it out on a windy day with fairly large waves (white caps) for an inland lake , no problems. The boat was stable, waves didn't come inside and it paddles easily into or across high winds unlike many other boats.

It handles very well in streams with sharp turns. I think it has great storage capacity for extra stuff. It's easy to fish out of. I'm glad that I have it and look forward to many more seasons.

2

I was looking for a lighter…

Submitted by: magg77 on 8/28/2006
I was looking for a lighter kayak and purchased a Wilderness Pungo 140 Duralite on a trip to Maine. My mistake! Yes, the boat is light, but not has no front bulkhead and flexes when you try to get out. The duralite doesn't seem strong/thick enough to make one feel safe in the boat. I have written to Wilderness about this lack of a front bulkhead, but have not heard back from them at all. I would NOT recommend anyone run out and purchase this boat.
5

Just started the 3rd season…

Submitted by: tlb on 6/28/2006
Just started the 3rd season of coastal fishing with my Pungo 140 ( shad, stripers, bluefish, mackerel ); the flat comb allows the use of my homemade plywood fishing deck w/rod holder and there's still space for a small lunch box for storing bait,live eels, etc. Everything I said back in 2003 still goes ( except for modifying my routine ). I still use the same, wide bladed Werner paddle for extra speed and quick turns while fishing. She's a bit scratched from bumping barnacle covered bridges, passing over rocks in the surf and mussel beds during low tide so I will be buying another Pungo 140 when this one wears out.
4

I have a Pungo Classic and am…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 6/19/2006
I have a Pungo Classic and am looking to get a longer boat. When WS came out with the Pungo 140, I thought "Cool! The Accord to my Civic!" It dpaddles faster and tracks better than the Classic, and seems only slightly tippier initially. But after a test-paddle, I decided not to get it. The down-sloping bow is in my view a design flaw: it is awash all the time unless you are on on totally flat water. It wouldn't be so bad except that the coaming is so much lower than in the Classic and {Pungo's don't have very effective skirts. Of course, I like the wonderful Pungo comfort and openness (I am a little claustrophobic), but these are not boats to roll. So for now I will keep my Classic and keep looking.
4

Well, I've paddled my 14…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 6/1/2006
Well, I've paddled my 14 footer now for two years. I'm 52, 6'3, 215 pounds. I test drove about a dozen recommended yaks, the pungo was by far the most comfortable (both getting in/out & while on the water) goes 90% as fast as many if not all of 14 footers, tracks like its on rails, the downside, no front bulkhead (royal pain to construct one) and minimal rigging, try one out!
4

I wonder what the reviewers…

Submitted by: paddler231294 on 12/12/2005
I wonder what the reviewers who gave it 10 think if they had more to compare with. I think lake camping and probably fishing is Pungo 14's domain.

It is quicker than most recreational bathtubs, as it should be, being 14 ft long. It is not only noticeably slower than any real touring kayak, but the width ( 28 inches vs 22-24 inches for a normal touring 'yak) interferes with paddling if you’re used to a touring kayak and makes you use a longer paddle.

I wouldn't really want to take it out in the ocean because of the huge cockpit, lack of front bulkhead, and I don’t like the down-sloping nose.

I gave it a 7 because in my opinion its as good as flat-water rec boats go, but don't go comparing it to a touring kayak in speed. And I don’t see it being sea worthy even compared to 14-15 ft rec-touring cross over boats.

5

Have rented Eddyline…

Submitted by: biteme3322 on 8/17/2005
Have rented Eddyline Nighthawk 17.5s and learned to enjoy kayaking. Renting was confined to the local marina. After a lot of research we bought 2 Pungo 140s and couldn't be happier. For the money (far less than one Nighthawk) we have great boats. Her Royal Highness is not keen on getting dunked and after our second outing of 5hrs. and about 7 miles paddling in rough water and boat wakes she is convinced we bought the right boats. Fast,rock steady, with tons of room for camping gear. Only 2 criticisms; No forward bulkhead, and not enough deck rigging. Both of which I'm in the process of correcting. For just a little over $1500 I got two boats, paddles, pfds, carriers etc. Value gained PRICELESS.
4

In response to the last…

Submitted by: paddleflyfish on 6/15/2005
In response to the last review, I installed a bulkhead because I wanted the dry storage space and flotation but it means I can't store a long object like a rod case in the cockpit. I used 4" closed cell foam to cut out the bulkhead (bought it from a local canoe and kayak supply store) and glued it in place with Lexel sealant. I made a template of the outside of the kayak at the point I wanted to install the bulkhead using cardboard from a large box. I cut out the foam with my bandsaw (carefully - it can bind), tried it for fit and then kept shaving bits off until it was a firm push fit. You have to chamfer the edges to fit the shape of the boat. When it was in place I ran a bead of Lexel around both sides to seal it and hold it in place. The result looks exactly like the factory fitted rear bulkhead. I would have contacted W.S. directly but they don't have any contact info on their web site the last time I checked. It would have been a lot easier with a factory cut bulkhead or template. How about it, Wilderness Systems? I note that the W.S. website and their print catalogue say that the "Fisherman" version of the Pungo has front and rear bulkheads but when I asked my dealer about this they told me that W.S. told them this was not the case. Beats me!
5

Several weeks ago, I bought…

Submitted by: paddler231107 on 6/1/2005
Several weeks ago, I bought my first kayak, a Pungo 140. I have been practicing at a small lake, trying to learn from a book about the proper stroke, seating position, etc. So far, I have been happy with everything about the Pungo. I am pretty large, and the boat is comfortable, fast and stable. It has really been fun. I do, however, wonder about the decision by Wilderness Systems not to sell the boat with a front bulkhead, as explained below.

I had read in the book that, in order to make a sharper turn, you should lean the boat in order to shorten the water line. While practicing, my leans became bolder, and my turns sharper, until the inevitable happened....the water came in and I went out.

At this point I learned the price of not having a front bulkhead. There was obviously no way I could get back in the boat, as it was mostly submerged. The little bit of foam in the bow didn't do much.

This kind of mishap is why I chose to learn in a small warm lake, so there was no danger, only a bruised ego. I got a tow to the shore, holding on to the tow boat with one hand and to the Pungo with the other. But it made me think about what could happen if the water was colder, the body of water larger, and there were fewer passing boats.

Once home, I immediately ordered a large float bag, which will keep the bow floating, but renders useless the forward hatch.

I am wondering if anyone out there who has installed a front bulkhead would mind posting a description of the process and materials used to make the bulkhead and any other useful information?

I will post an updated review of the Pungo 140 when I have more experience.

5

I purchased the 14 ft Pungo…

Submitted by: slowhand51 on 5/2/2005
I purchased the 14 ft Pungo from Rutabaga in Madison, WI 3 years ago and would not only highly recommend the Pungo but found the sales staff at Rutabaga to be very knowledgeable and friendly. This was the first kayak that I've purchased and have used it on rivers, up to class II, flowages, and small and large lakes. I have found it to be extremely stable and fast for a recreational kayak. It tracks great and is very comfortable even on all day trips. I've fished out of it many times and have found it to be very good for fishing, but will have to install rod and paddle holders...thanks for some great suggestions on how to install these. I would definitely have to rate the 14 ft Pungo a 10!!