Even with motor boats going by it was incredibly stable and the seat is great. I hope this helps whomever is looking at the Pungo series. The Pungo tracks very straight and is relatively fast for its class of kayak. This is not a white water boat, though it can handle the low to middle end of class II. The hinged rear hatch is also a great feature, easy to operate and no chance of losing the cover. Tracks well, cuts through the water nicely. Whether I'm paddling down a river or in a lake this kayak never disappoints me. The console is great for storage and some sun protection. Could be the bulkhead, I will investigate. So far we have been out a few times, and love how maneuverable, lightweight, and easy to enjoy they are. Fishing is the reason it did not get a 10. I've hit rocks at slow speed and beached my self on rocks and sand at high speed with only minor surface scratches on the hull. This is a small problem, yet the biggest one we see. Boat #1 had a significantly displaced bulkhead with gaping gaps, The dry well hatch is torqued and does not close or seal properly. Looked at an older model a few years ago. Tends to nose down if you directly paddle into waves/wakes, have to hit them at a slight angle to avoid nosing down. Pungo 120 and a Perception Conduit 12.0, compared to my Tsunami both of those boats are sluggish and lumbering. As paddlers know, viewing and/or doing photography from the water vs. just the shore provides for many unique opportunities. We had kayaked last summer using a much shorter kayak which was harder to maneuver. I feel I was lucky to get the parts from a secondary company. It's not worth the brand name retail price. Anyone using it in larger open water. thanks! From carrying it from my vehicle to the water (short distance approx.30 yards) the flexible cloth handles at the bow and stern which are screwed down into the boat are causing the boat to split/crack under all four screws. I have had both, and cannot notice a difference in performance in the water. In fact, we say we've been outside more than ever since we've bought them. The seat is comfortable especially on day trips. On our way home we stopped for gas and immediately noticed that the Pungo was oil canning (denting) in the sun. The Pungo tracks true at cruising speed and my "ramming speed" while in my exercise mode. Bleeding on the river is never fun. All around, it's a great seat system and I wouldn't give it up, but the PFD issue doesn't really become obvious until you go on a longer trip (or, at least, it didn't for me). bIt would be VERY difficult to find a boat like this at its price point of $875. I would get another Pungo, maybe the 140 or a sit on top model. I feel like I can really move in this thing and experience the water they way it should be experienced. If you're looking for a sturdy, strong kayak that would be great from small lakes, to big lakes, to ocean kayaking, to overnight trips.....this is the kayak for you! The $800 price tag makes this twice as expensive as the starter kayaks being sold at the big box stores. We purchased our first kayaks at a local shop, and we love our new Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 and Tsunami 145. The displacement hull and design lend to a very well behaved and predictable tracking boat. Pretty fast, tracked great to start, comfortable and the console is even more appreciated than I would have expected. I've also used it on an overnight camping expedition, carrying gear on the Potomac River through stretches of Class I & II rapids and one near-Class III, and it's performed well in all situations. A paddle clip on the dash. I am always longing to get back in my own sweet little ride! Works fine in slow moving rivers too. I tried many kayaks before opting for the Tsunami 120. Dry hatch in back can be opened while on water, after several years seal on bulkhead inside leaks a bit into the dry area, will apply sealant to prevent this. We live in a windy area and having that easer control has been nice. I highly recommend this boat, especially for anyone planning on doing some fishing. Took a little bit to get used to at first, but now I am very confident that this boat will serve me well for many years to come. I would highly recommend this easy-to-use kayak to novice paddlers, as well as seasoned kayakers too. Great boat for me. I now own two of these (bought one for my wife too) and have spent a significant amount of time in both. In Delaware, I was able to launch myself from 2 1/2 ft above the water line at low tide without the boat plowing under water. RAM, (the mount manufacturer) does not offer a screwball with left-hand threads, so I was forced to mount permanent 1.5 inch RAM mounts on the left side of my boat so the zookatubes on that side would function as designed.