2020 Wilderness Pungo 120, price $999
After a summer season of many kayak day trips, I wanted to provide my input to those looking for a recreational kayak and hopefully this helps them choose.
First, I am in my 70’s, 6’2” and in pretty good shape. I kayak 2 to 3 times per week, mostly lakes and slow-moving rivers in CT. I started kayaking 3 years ago in a small lake across from where I live. I started with a Sea Eagle 370 inflatable, largely because of the light weight to carry (36lbs). I have tried/owned a 9.6ft Lifetime Payette, Perception Prodigy 10ft and Dagger 11.6ft Blackwater.
Bottomline:
The Wilderness Pungo 120 (12ft) is an excellent kayak for lakes and rivers with an outstanding seat and many extras noted below. Secondary stability is only average and the price is higher than most recreational kayaks, but the more you use it the more I feel I made a good purchase!
Pros:
Great seat with multiple adjustments that are easy to reach and provide all day comfort. Has nice mesh bottle holder on the seat. Foot pegs are adjustable with easy to reach rods and comfortable rubber footrests, great for water shoes and bare feet. Cockpit is large and easy to get in and out of measuring at (57” by 22”), a key for someone at my age. Weight is 49lbs lighter than most, has good initial stability (29”wide) with space for dry bags behind the seat and in the front. Has good size dry stern hatch with cover and bulkhead. This kayak is a bit faster than most recreational kayaks, I am sure do to the slight V shape hull and pointed bow and stern. Cuts through the water nicely and tracks very well even in wind. Has a replaceable stern plate that allows you to drag the kayak.
Cons:
I feel the price is high for this type of kayak. The seat is great but not worth hundreds of dollars over Perceptions, Daggers etc. It does come with a dashboard that fits over the front of the large cockpit, but I found that the sharp plastic edges near my knees, scraped and cut my calves and knees. The dashboard is basically worthless, it has cup holders that are so large that you could fit a large thermos in them and it would cause a problem with your paddling. It does come with a drybox but that’s the only useful part of the dashboard unless you buy (extra cost) Wilderness accessories like a lithium battery. I threw my dashboard away. I would rather they offer the dashboard as an option and reduce the price by $100! The knee pads are nice but on the short side for those of us with longer legs. The secondary stability is only average and you need to be careful when leaning into turns or trying to get something from behind you or in the hatch, I have been told that is because of the chine which provides better speed but you give up some stability. Also at this price it would be nice to have a paddle holder.
Summary:
The Pungo has many positives and generally glad I purchased it. Because of Covid, I did not have an opportunity to try other kayaks to compare, but the more I use it, the more I will enjoy it moving forward. I can keep up with longer, sleeker kayaks and it has plenty of room for dry bags and camping gear. It handles well, cuts through water, and tracks nicely. Definitely a lot better than your box store basic kayak and most 10ft kayaks. I feel the 12ft is right for me and would only upgrade to a longer kayak if it were lighter, given my age. Hope this helps.
