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I bought a Tarpon 100 in 2011 as a second kayak. My first is a Mad River Synergy 12, really a canoe/kayak hybrid. I wanted a boat that was shorter and easier to maneuver in rapids and one that had scupper holes. My primary intended use was fishing and multi-day fishing and camping trips.

Overall, the Tarpon 100 is a great boat for the money. It weighs about 55 pounds and is listed as 30.5 inches wide. Hull is made of high-density polyethylene which has proven rugged and durable. It came with a comfortable seat, two flush-mounted rod holders behind the seat and slide trax on the gunwale in front of the cockpit and along the rear cargo area for mounting accessories(none included with boat). Slide trax are a great way to add rod holders or a go-pro mount (or whatever else you might want) without putting holes in the boat.

Also standard with the boat was a bungee system in the rear well to hold your cargo and two in-hull storage areas (one in the bow and one in the cockpit) with excellent locking lids. Hatch covers feature a hinged design and locking lever; to open hatch, simply slide lever to unlock cover and flip open to access gear. I have gone on multi-day solo camping trips in this boat with no problem stowing all of the gear I need.

The adjustable foot rests are much better than boats with molded in foot rests.

Now, for performance. It is very stable, even in light choppy water. Although it is not designed for white water, I use it in class II rapids and like the maneuverability as well as the self-bailing scuppers -- sometimes water comes over the bow or the gunwale in a steep drop or in roiling water, but it just drains right out.

It's short length brings pros and cons. In some circumstances, a shorter boat is helpful when trying to get into a fishing area with downed trees or other obstacles, and it is easier to turn than a longer boat. But when you are paddling to get somewhere on flat water, you work a lot harder than even a 12 foot boat. You have to paddle harder and when you stop, the glide does not last very long. Tracking is also an issue. I am not an expert paddler, but I have enough experience with my 12 foot boat to know there is a pretty big difference. In particular, my Tarpon 100 tends to drift to the right regardless of other variables. This my not be unique to the Tarpon 100, maybe all 10 foot yaks track poorly, but this is the only one I have experience with. That is why I rated it at 7 rather than higher.

Still, I would recommend it, especially for fishermen or newer paddlers. If I know I will have a long, flat paddle, I take my 12 foot boat. If I am going on a river trip with current to help do some of the work, I take the Tarpon 100. It is a good boat with great features for the money.