Chopra, two very different boats. I’d pick the 140 Pungo over the 120, unless weight or transporting is an issue. A 14 ft boat will twist through 3 ft marsh rivulets with ease. I own two140 Pungon duralites, and my niece has the roto mold plastic models in 120 and 140. I also have roto molded Tsunamis in 125, 140, 145 and 175. Based on your physical description, the 140 Tsunami is in your weight class. Another option in your weight class, but only If you consider a longer boat, is the Tempest. It shares the same inherent stability of other WS design, but it’s a fast playful boat suited for your environment. Might try it just for fun and comparison, if available for test drive. I’m in another weight class but there are several knowledgeable Tempest drivers on the forum who can help if you ask for details.
A kayak is a specialty tool, most noted for efficiency. In general, wider boats are more stable, but harder to paddle; longer boats have speed and wave handling. Paradoxically, features you admire as a novice become a hinderance as you progress. I have a quiver full of boats and each was superceded by a more specialized model. You have to not only list desired traits, but must rank them in order of preference. It may do one thing well, but will suffer for other purposes.
A distinguishing characteristic of the Wilderness System line is stability, due to its hard multi-chine hull shape, as well as a roomy comfortable cockpit and seat. In practice, the difference in speed or stability between the Pungo and Tsunami family is incrementally indistinguishable (with clarification if you seek further details). Be careful of comments about stability. Try it yourself, because some forum members have the balance of a tight rope walker and don’t realize it, while I’m more the new-born colt.
You presented several specific parameters that you desire. The reality is that some of the feature you want cannot be combine in the same boat. Other activities are unrealistic I regularly spend between four to six hours in a 145 Tsunami (my weight class). I once spent 7.5 hours without getting out, and as long as 8.5 with one break, but any kayak is the last place “I” would go to read a book. The Pungo has spaciousness for freedom of movement. This make it more suitable for fishing with open access to gear. Easy to enter/exit, but as wind levels increase, the open cockpit becomes vulnerable to waves over 18 inched. The Tsunami has the same comfortable seat, but also thigh braces when used in conjunction with the seat and foot pegs provide three points to lock in and become a part of the boat. Shifting your body helps to turn and control the boat in rough conditions of waves up to 30 or 36 inches. It inspires confidence when you would be fearful or capsized in the Pungo. You can fish in it, but it is not a fishing boat. If you do capsize the Pungo, there are no deck ropes to hold on. The boat will fill with water and recovery nearly impossible without preferably two other boats . On the other hand, the Tsunami has a sealed bulkheads with air pockets in the front and stern, for flotation, as well as deck ropes.
As you progress, the comfortable seat proves to be a hinderance. I’ve been an advocate of the WS high back seat, but after a week as a forum member, the shortcoming are becoming apparent without anyone actually telling me what I “need”. I can explain if you’re curious. The high seat also makes it nearly impossible to reenter if you come out. An option is a boat with a back band, or if you lose favor with the high seat, WS offers a retrofit backband with instructions on line. I believe the Tsunami is the most versatile, safest, and most stable, ALL aspects considered; however, if you do roll it, the WS boats don’t have the quality traits or more sophisticated boats. I can’t roll a boat, so MY option is a more stable boat used within its design parameters, or watch TV. Happy to answer specific questions.
