Wilderness Systems Tarpon Seat INFO

This is INFORMATION for your reference and not a product to purchase. Please read fully and click on the links below to the replacement parts.

Wilderness Systems produced 3 major Sit-on-top Seat Systems (CSS, Phase3 and AirPro) and two minor systems (Zone and original) commonly found on their Tarpon kayaks. Most of the Early Model Tarpon kayaks, circa 2002-2008, did not always come with Seat Pads*. These were often an after-market add-on accessory item as seen in the photo to the right (more info on that below).

Important! Wilderness Systems does not sell complete seats. This includes AirPro and Phase 3 seats as well as some of the underlying structural seat parts such as the seat bottom pan.

The Original Tarpon (aka 160) had a very different seat than what is common today (see photo at the top of this page). The straps of this seat can be restored with One Inch Web Strap Products. If you have the Original Version Tarpon (the version with two large hatches, 3 straps each) use the Contact Us Page for more original seat information.

Some older Tarpon kayaks, made before 2009, can be retrofitted with standard Sit-On-Top Seats* if this is desirable to you Contact Us as needed about the install.

The Basic Seat Systems Break Down As:
CSS Comfort System Seat* (2002-2008)
Zone Seating* circa 2008, some Tarpon kayaks, not all.
Phase3 Seating* (2009-2012)
AirPro Outfitting* (2013 to date)

More information on these seat systems below, keep reading.

Find the year your Wilderness Systems kayak was made with this link.

Seat Pads* most commonly used to restore early model Tarpon kayaks circa 2002-2008 are; Tour Back and Tour Bottom pads, or the New Town Seat Pad Set, as well as the Harmony Seat Pad.

CSS Comfort System Seat* parts most commonly needed for Tarpons made before 2009 are; the CSS Back Pad, and the WS Seat Pad. FYI: DO NOT Drill any holes in your kayak for the WS Seat Pad. If you do not have pre-molded holes select a self-adhesive or strap-on seat pad from the list above.

See also; the Tarpon Seat Strap, the Tarpon Seat Clip, Bungee and Hooks and the Tarpon Seat Assembly.

Zone Seating* parts most applicable to Tarpon kayaks circa 2008 are; the Seat Back Cover 2008, the WS Seat Pad, the Zone Seat Back Assembly, the Zone Butterfly and Zone Bracket.

See also; the Tarpon Seat Strap and Bungee and Hooks.

Phase3 Seating* (2009-2012); see the complete overview: Phase3 Seat Info Page

AirPro Outfitting* (2013 to date); see the complete overview: AirPro Seat Info Page 

To convert to standard Sit-On-Top Seats* (best for older models) please read the related articles: How to Use Backrests, Knee Straps and Paddle Leashes and How to Choose Backrests, Knee Straps and Paddle Leashes. TAPS