I love my Tsunami 165. I've had it in some choppy seas with good size (7-8 foot) rolling waves, and it handles it incredibly well. Primary and secondary stability is rock solid, and the rudder really helps when paddling in strong winds. As a larger (fat) person, this boat is really comfortable for long days on the water. It isn't the most playful boat, but I get it moving pretty well and keep decent speed with it.
Bought a used tsumani 165. Much more stable than tempest 170 and much faster than tsumani 145. Sold the 170 and 145, kept the 165. Great for seniors !!
Specs on the WS web site are wrong, the company has reported a cockpit size (20” wide by 36” long) that includes the rim, so it’s not the size of the actual opening, which is 16” x 32”. This means, these newer ones won’t fit large paddlers, it’s more for small and medium. And, the rearward 6” of the opening is taken up by the seat, so the space you have to get inside is not very much. They are reporting the same size for the other models too, the new ones are all same narrow and snug cockpit opening of 16” x 32”. This is a deal-breaker for many, so anyone that’s over 200lbs., good luck getting inside the Tsunami very easily. It’s roomy once you get in, though - but the snug fit probably makes wet exits more difficult for larger people. Otherwise, these are still great kayaks and a super value, with tracking, stability and features really hard to beat among the roto-molded polyethylene kayaks.
Get it with the rudder. I thought I wouldn't need one on my 125 but after kayaking in a heavy cross wind on a lake this past summer I bought the kit and installed it. Haven't had much issues since.
It does weathercock in the wind. A rudder really helps with that though. I paddled my Tsunami 165 in 25 kt winds a few days ago and the rudder kept me going where I wanted to no matter which direction I went.
The Tsunami with bow and stern bulkheads and more deck lines will make it safer on larger bodies of water and assist in self rescue. It will also be better for stowing gear for day or overnight camping. Both are great boats but consider how you will be using them to make a final decision. If you are on protected flat water and want to take the dog or small child out then Pungo is a better choice.
great video Shane.. thanks
I love my Tsunami 165. I've had it in some choppy seas with good size (7-8 foot) rolling waves, and it handles it incredibly well. Primary and secondary stability is rock solid, and the rudder really helps when paddling in strong winds. As a larger (fat) person, this boat is really comfortable for long days on the water. It isn't the most playful boat, but I get it moving pretty well and keep decent speed with it.
Great review many thanks
Bought a used tsumani 165. Much more stable than tempest 170 and much faster than tsumani 145. Sold the 170 and 145, kept the 165. Great for seniors !!
Love my 2018 red 140!
Specs on the WS web site are wrong, the company has reported a cockpit size (20” wide by 36” long) that includes the rim, so it’s not the size of the actual opening, which is 16” x 32”. This means, these newer ones won’t fit large paddlers, it’s more for small and medium. And, the rearward 6” of the opening is taken up by the seat, so the space you have to get inside is not very much. They are reporting the same size for the other models too, the new ones are all same narrow and snug cockpit opening of 16” x 32”. This is a deal-breaker for many, so anyone that’s over 200lbs., good luck getting inside the Tsunami very easily. It’s roomy once you get in, though - but the snug fit probably makes wet exits more difficult for larger people. Otherwise, these are still great kayaks and a super value, with tracking, stability and features really hard to beat among the roto-molded polyethylene kayaks.
Does or can the front decking on the 12ft Tsunami cross over like on the 14ft model?
Yes it does
Can I remove the bottle holder that is inside the kayak?
How is it in the wind? My current kayak has a skeg and it weathercocks like hell. It pivots around on the skeg if there is the slightest breeze.
Get it with the rudder. I thought I wouldn't need one on my 125 but after kayaking in a heavy cross wind on a lake this past summer I bought the kit and installed it. Haven't had much issues since.
It does weathercock in the wind. A rudder really helps with that though. I paddled my Tsunami 165 in 25 kt winds a few days ago and the rudder kept me going where I wanted to no matter which direction I went.
I’m 5.10 ft and thinking to get the tsunami 145. What size paddle would you recommend for this kayak? Thanks!
I'm 5'7 and do well with 220 and 230 cm paddles.
I’m assuming that this will outperform the Pungo?
They are fairly different boats. Tsunami has bow and stern sealed compartments, a smaller cockpit, and tracks better.
Tsunami will be faster and more efficient than the Pungo
Fed Guy the difference is actually not that big. I have a Tsunami and have paddled the Pungo.
The Tsunami with bow and stern bulkheads and more deck lines will make it safer on larger bodies of water and assist in self rescue. It will also be better for stowing gear for day or overnight camping. Both are great boats but consider how you will be using them to make a final decision. If you are on protected flat water and want to take the dog or small child out then Pungo is a better choice.