Kayak mods and such,....

[richtrox]

My first kayak, in it's 4th season, is a cheapo 10 ft sit on from Pelican rated for 225 lbs. I'm 6'1" and 190 so I pretty much maxed it out from the get go. So I made a few mods. I added a fold down seat on a platform, which was great because I gained storage space for tackle under the seat, but the additional 10" height made it a little tipsy lol. I rectified that with a pair of crab pot marker pontoons. I also made a cart for it. This was the first version, which was quickly replaced by a lower (closer to the ground) version with much larger wheels. A lot of guys do the wheel throught the scupper hole thing, but I don't think the construction on this one is strong enough for that. I also added a trolley system for anchoring, which is pretty much a must need for anchoring in current. Although this kayak has served me well in bay and lake, I'm going to be moving up to a Field & Stream 12' 6" pretty soon, just so I can handle the rougher water. I'll still keep this for bay and lake fishing.

 

[Rick67]

Yes scupper carts can be a challenge. However if you make one to support the weight across the hull. They are quick and a pleasure to use. These are from copper plumbing pipe and green machine wheels I made for Kayak Willy a few years ago.

 

[pequa1]

or you can get a Hurricane kayak made of Thermafoam and not need a cart at all. My Skimmer 128, which replaced my Hurricane Phoenix 140, is ten pounds lighter, coming in at under fifty pounds even with the rodholders and anchor trolley installed. Although its a much drier ride than the Phoenix, (my ass didn't even get wet yesterday), I unscrewed the seat pad today and reattached it with velcro, so I can remove it easily to dry out after hosing it down. I just ordered a suction cup water bottle holder from Amazon as the Skimmer's seat, included with the boat, does not have a bottle holder like I had with the Phoenix, which had to be purchased extra. Hurricane's scuppers are singles, one in the bow, one in the stern, so when I did make a cart with PVC, barbecue grill wheels and a pool noodle, I had to use bungies over the top to secure it. I do use the cart when my better half and I go out on our tandem Perception Tribe 13.5. Now I won't even have to back the truck up the driveway to the garage for the Skimmer. Yesterday I just picked it up and carried it out to my Ranger in the street. (I am 68, with matching height in inches, and unfortunately just over 160 lbs which hopefully I will soon reduce.) I see other guys who can hardly go out alone as they need a buddy to help launch.
Rich when you do go bigger, consider going brighter in color. Whites, reds and true greens do not show up as well as yellow, orange or even bright blues and lime.
Cost-wise, the Hurricanes do go about 30% more, but for little and old me, well worth it. And no, not even a bite yesterday, lol.