Tsunami 160

I finally got my hands on one of these and I couldn't be more satisfied. The outfitting is super comfortable and can be fine tuned. It's very agile despite it's length and responsive. I'm getting cruzing average of about 4mph with very little effort and it's acceleration is very good. It's over all weight is about 62lbs (actual scale weight) so it is still a bit heavy although fairly average for a plastic boat. It's initial stability is fantastic so highly recommended for a beginner and fun enough for a more advanced paddler. The only down side I found is that it is very susceptible to weather cocking due to it's high volume fore deck and I found myself loosing almost .5mph in a head wind. I love the low back deck that is very reminiscent of a Greenland style boat. I'll say that I have beep very surprised by it's performance and if you buy one, you will be too.

I have been paddling my 14.6 plastic Tsunami for over 10 years now, in lakes, rivers and oceans. It is stable yet nimble, and responsive enough for 20 mile paddles on high or low water. When I bought it, I assumed it would be my first boat, but it hasn't outlived my skill level yet. It holds its own on the ocean, although I sometimes wish I's bought the 160. I passed on the rudder due to the added weight, and I don't think I've missed it. I LOVE my Tsunami!

Bought this yak for the bay and estuaries at the TX coast. Sleek design of sea kayak, excellent stability and the rudder (skeg) make this boat very efficient in open water even with crosswinds. Ample storage with front and rear holds as well as X-bungee straps to lash down extra gear make it perfect for overnights or long day trips. I even plan to use this boat for fishing by lashing on a plastic milk crate on the back to carry my gear, not to fish out of the kayak but to get to desired destinations quickly and easily then wade fish.
Overall, 9 of 10!

I was 60 when I bought my polyethylene Tsunami 160 in 2007. My local dealer just happened to be main importers of the Wilderness range at that time. I must confess to buying without testing or much consideration of other makes. Testing would have been pointless since I had no kayaking experience. That lovely seat and the air of competence of the design were enough to tempt. Since then I have been out (mostly solo) about 200 times and paddled in it some 800 miles! In that time, I have only capsized by design and never by accident.

I use this kayak as a means of transport to visit friends and cross the Milford Haven Estuary to a waterside pub 2 miles distant (but 15miles by road). There are more challenging destinations such as our nearest town - it's fun shopping by water. For such esturine trips, the 160 is almost perfect with its 15ft WLL and well able to stem with ease our frequent 3Kn tidal flow making use of back-eddies near the shore. The effortless glide and tracking stability are bewitching. The hull sits low in the water, there is very little exposed for gusty winds to grab. A nylon spraydeck is important in our usually choppy waters.

Though the kayak weathercocks a little, turning it fully up-wind in F4 or F5 can be a grunt (above that, I tend to stay at home). This reluctance is ameliorated by some knee brace tilting which the design reliably allows. Generally, I am astonished at how seaworthy the kayak is in ugly looking chop and breakers occurring when wind opposes the tide. The rudder is of great assistance when going downwind; I sometimes use a golf umbrella as a sail in this direction.

In the open sea with waves of greater length the feeling of security is reduced as there is too much buoyancy at each end and insufficient sheer. What is needed here is a British design of kayak. But, Hey, I live on an estuary where waves of this kind are only formed by the wake of heavy power boats passing. These waves can be managed and even thrilling to surf a bit.

I should mention that the little cleat which secures the backrest set height turned from S/S to a white powder after 3 years use. I was obliged to cut it off and fit a home-made alternative since Wilderness are not interested in the supply of spare parts. I fully expect the kayak to last its allotted 15 years before sunlight makes it brittle (with some care). Being linear single skin PE, it can then be recycled. I think the name "Tsunami" is a bit silly for a kayak very adept at an estuary type scenario. I am 150lb and 5ft 9in. Large folk should look elsewhere for a kayak. Not at all bad for a US concept.

I am 59 years old and like to do day kayak trips on the rivers which feed into. The conditions vary from flat to quite rough when the winds kick up.

I purchased this kayak last year. Overall, I am quite happy with it. It maneuvers well and holds a course well with the rudder down. The seating is very comfortable and I find I do not tire as much as I did with my old kayak. Water does come into the cockpit in rough conditions, but this can be handled with a spray skirt or foul weather gear. Although I am short (5'7") I do not find this kayak to be "too big". Overall, I would recommend this kayak for people who like to do this type of kayaking.

I am a mid 20's male and am very impressed with the purchase I made with the 160. I have used it for over a year now, and have done everything from little 4 mile trips to multi-day expeditions. I do have the polycarbonate version with a rudder, and use it on average once a month (I live in MA, so winters are not for my venturing out).

One of the best things for me, I have moderate to severe back problems, and the phase three seat (back raises and lowers, thigh pads raise and lower, and back rest tilts back and forward) that wilderness systems has employed allows me to continue in the boat for hours without getting out, just adjusting the seat as necessary. I used to have a Carolina which was no where near as flexible and every two hours or so I had to get out, now I can go for six or seven without any major issues for me.

I have not yet measured speed, but because I am the largest, and most muscular of the group I usually go with, I am restricted in how fast I can paddle. I would not be surprised if I could average over 4 knots because in my Carolina I usually figured on 2.8 - 3.4 knots per trip, and this is much faster.

I would recommend the phase 3 seat by wilderness systems to anyone, and of course in particular this boat. If you are looking for a kayak give the Tsunami a try. The only reason I don't give this boat a 10, is because I do not believe that anything is perfect, and anyone can find flaws in anything. The only flaw I have is that I have a smaller car, so the racks are closer together and I have squeezed the boat on long car trips...I have remedied that situation by placing a shaped block in the cockpit for travel.

I have had the Tsunami 160 for a couple of months now and can say that I am pleased with it. I have owned several kayaks, both sit on top and inside. The kayak prior to the 160 was the 140. I opted for the 160 as I was doing more excursions and desired more luggage volume and speed. The 160 has accommodated both of these areas.

Prior to the 160 purchase I had my heart set on the Tempest model of Wilderness Systems. I was disappointed when I saw the seat had only a back band. I have spine problems and this seat arrangement was not conducive to my problem.

When I tried the 160 I was sold largely because of the seat. If you are not comfortable you are not going to want to get in it very often. I doubt if there is another manufacturer that makes a seat as comfortable as this one, especially for my particular problem. I have the rudder, and find it very efficient and easy to use, although you do not need it that often.

The 160 has good initial stability and not to bad secondary, along with a good speed. ( quite a bit faster than the 140 ) It also has the day hatch separate from the rear hatch, and is handy.

My main complaint with this kayak is that the cockpit height decreases from front to back, and will take on water, if hit broadside in a moderate wave. This would hit the user in the hip area. The 140 was the same. The fix to this is of course to skirt up, therefore completely elevating the problem.

Otherwise this is a great kayak, would buy it again, and do recommend it.

I've had my Tsunami 160 for about a month now. I've taken it into the ocean three times and to a lake three times. Overall it's been a great kayak so far.

The pros: Tracking is GREAT; When in the water, the rudder works extremely well; TONS of storage room; Extremely stable; Has three well placed hatches.

But it has cons too: Heavy, about 60 pounds but feels like 100 because of its size; The backrest is really high and sticks up above the coaming by a couple of inches at least; Hard to turn and manuever; The rudder is almost impossible to raise and lower from the water. I have to get a friend to help me lower it if I don't do it from the shore; Sits very low in the water.