Saturday, February 17, 2007

Yak Mods

Some people can't leave well enough alone.

Kayak fishermen have a habit of creating helpful modifications and I found several on different websites.

One had a cart that was designed to fit under the yak with two 1/2" rods positioned so that they would poke up through the scupper holes and hold the kayak in place.

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I followed the plan and made mine out of 2" PVC. My improvement was to add two more tees facing the center with the 1/2" risers.

Another site had an anchor trolley that helps position the anchor so your boat will face in the direction of your choice. I made my trolley flexible so I can change from the right to the left side of the boat and from front to back- all while sitting in my seat.

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I installed a short piece of bungee on the front and rear pad eye and a beener to mount the trolly line to.

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The other end of the trolley is clipped to the handle on each side. The ends of the trolley are joined with another beener and my anchor line has one more so I can attach or detach the anchor quickly. I also installed a float on the anchor line so I can unhook if necessary while fighting a big fish. I've read too many stories about fish getting tangled up in the anchor line!

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This shot shows both the front and rear trolley lines clipped to the handle. Also shown is my paddle holder I added - again to both sides. I used a short piece of bungee and installed a plastic clip on either end. I had to drill one hole and used a well nut to seal it up.

The best feature is the milk crate. I fashioned some rod holders called "rocket launchers" fron 1-1/2" PVC such that they will swivel front to back and a couple of rod leashes made from obsolete cell phone car chargers purchased at the $1 store.

Paul made the lid for my crate out of the bottom of the crate we found the day we picked up the boats.

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I installed a piece of 2" PVC to the rear of my crate and inserted some 3/4" and 1/2" inside to hold the stake out pole and a pole to mount my light on.

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My boat "Spot"

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I ordered a black bumper sticker and made a spot for my "redfish" on both sides.

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The final touch is the TKF sticker.

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I'm ready to fish!

2 comments:

Bawana said...

Just seeing you put that leash on old spot makes me miss the times we spent training dogs.

Paul Batchelder said...

Inspector Gadgit...go go gadget yak.