Counterbalancing Livewell - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

slammah · 11-12-2020, 11:28 AM

Just got a hobie livewell for my mirage sport and I was stoked to that I could set aside my floating bait tube which I found annoying to tow around. Unfortunately when I fill the livewell (even just to half way) the back end of my yak sinks considerably and I start taking in water.

Is it worth trying to counterbalance the weight by adding stuff to the front of the kayak or is it time to upgrade?

JasonG · 11-12-2020, 03:01 PM

I keep a Reliable 36" kill bag with 20lbs of ice on the bow of my Outback and it sits nice and level in the water with the livewell filled up. But it's also a 400lb capacity kayak. Sounds like you may just be pushing capacity on that kayak, and adding more weight would potentially create another issue. If I remember correctly, the weight rating on the Mirage Sport is under 250lbs.

PapaDave · 11-12-2020, 09:04 PM

Time to upgrade, the sport is rather small with a small load capacity.

slammah · 11-16-2020, 10:28 AM

Thanks for the feedback! Gotta agree with the upgrade route.. pretty sure the load capacity is an issue

monstahfish · 11-17-2020, 03:36 PM

If you just got the v2 livewell, open the level adjustment inside and carry half as much water. You should still be able to handle a decent amount of bait.

slammah · 11-19-2020, 09:09 AM

yeah.. I was hoping that would be the case. Even with a half-full livewell, my kayak sinks considerably and I start taking in a little water. Pretty sure its the rudder holes being submerged that lets in a little over time.

I could only comfortably hold a little over 1.5-2'' of water. My sardines were barely submerged but it still kinda worked.

11-12-2020, 11:28 AM	#1
slammah Junior Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: RSM Posts: 27	Counterbalancing Livewell Just got a hobie livewell for my mirage sport and I was stoked to that I could set aside my floating bait tube which I found annoying to tow around. Unfortunately when I fill the livewell (even just to half way) the back end of my yak sinks considerably and I start taking in water. Is it worth trying to counterbalance the weight by adding stuff to the front of the kayak or is it time to upgrade?

11-12-2020, 09:04 PM	#3
PapaDave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 1,473	Time to upgrade, the sport is rather small with a small load capacity. __________________ So long and thanks for all the fish...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

11-12-2020, 03:01 PM	#2
JasonG Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: North County San Diego Posts: 50	I keep a Reliable 36" kill bag with 20lbs of ice on the bow of my Outback and it sits nice and level in the water with the livewell filled up. But it's also a 400lb capacity kayak. Sounds like you may just be pushing capacity on that kayak, and adding more weight would potentially create another issue. If I remember correctly, the weight rating on the Mirage Sport is under 250lbs.

11-16-2020, 10:28 AM	#4
slammah Junior Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: RSM Posts: 27	Thanks for the feedback! Gotta agree with the upgrade route.. pretty sure the load capacity is an issue

11-17-2020, 03:36 PM	#5
monstahfish Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 419	If you just got the v2 livewell, open the level adjustment inside and carry half as much water. You should still be able to handle a decent amount of bait.

11-19-2020, 09:09 AM	#6
slammah Junior Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: RSM Posts: 27	yeah.. I was hoping that would be the case. Even with a half-full livewell, my kayak sinks considerably and I start taking in a little water. Pretty sure its the rudder holes being submerged that lets in a little over time. I could only comfortably hold a little over 1.5-2'' of water. My sardines were barely submerged but it still kinda worked.