Pungo 140

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.

I absolutely love it, super stable, very maneuverable especially for a longer kayak, and very well built. Very comfortable for long trips paddling.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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...

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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 +++

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!!