First Mods

[forefrazier]

Small, simple mods

Front position rod holders. Thought about this one for a while not wanting to drill holes in the yak and trying to make use of the existing screws already there since I don't plan on converting to an AI anytime soon. Seems the Ram Space Saver mount has just about the same dimension as the screw holes. 5 minutes of Dremel work and they fit perfect:





Added fourth and fifth rod holders to Hobie tank. Not because I want to carry more rods but mostly so I have extra options to place a gaff, bat, etc.



Also, in my opinion a second set of straps on the rear part of the Hobie tank is a necessity. Helps to keep it stable and less risk of it falling off in the event of a roll over. Ordered another strap kit from Hobie (thanks Andy) and installed under the existing bungie posts for the battery lid. Looks factory and no additional holes:



That's all for now...F/F is next. Have some ideas on doing something a bit creative with this also...To be continued....

Steve

[bellcon]

Nice
very nice
(taking notes)



I like the upgraded paddle...
is that for when you want to be a "real" kayaker?

[davedkins]

Great mods, I really like your idea of adding the extra straps to the livewell.

I'm at the same point with my outback and was wondering what your FF idea's were.

I have a sail mount Ram wedge and a humminbird FF. Im trying to figure out how to run the transducer and Battery cables with out drilling my baby.

Any ideas?

[ccoral]

what model hobie is that I am looking for another kayak, for LJ and places where travel is neccessary fishing a stealth 14 now that I do like but it is a lot slower than my old prowler.
FYI modes look great but a bit worried launching in waves with all the rod holders sticking out as I live in ventura county and go out days not uncommon to launch in waves.

[Iceman]

Nice pipes! Are you sure it floats?

[Billy V]

Those Ram Tube Mounts are sometimes subjected to a fair amount of torque. For that reason I used the full size 2" x 3" ball mount, with good SS bolts and SS washers and lock nuts behind them. They are also sealed on there with thin layer of marine goop.

Its seriously strong and multi purpose. (The ruler depicts actual measurements need to mount a ram ball on the starboard side. Its needed to clearance the molded in pad eye)


--------------------------
Also - Take note how I passed the Fish Finder wire through the kayak. If you unscrew the T fitting up forward, you can drill a hole just big enough to pass the transducer and power cable through.
-I use a $2.69 grommet- and sliced 1 end so I could place it around the wires to seal. From there it is a tapered push fit with some marine goop and - Presto you finished.
If you ever want to remove all evidence of it you remove the grommet and replace the T fitting.



I used a waterproof box from Walmart $5 and a $1.69 battery holder from Radio Shack to hold 8 AA batteries. It would last for 3 fishing trips if I wanted, but I recharged it anyway. It is affixed to the hull with 2" heavy duty velcro from ACE hardware. It never moved unless I wanted it to move.

[forefrazier]

Originally Posted by Iceman

Nice pipes! Are you sure it floats?

Don't know yet but I like to think of it more like a Hilborn direct injection stack than an organ

[forefrazier]

Originally Posted by ccoral

what model hobie is that I am looking for another kayak, for LJ and places where travel is neccessary fishing a stealth 14 now that I do like but it is a lot slower than my old prowler.
FYI modes look great but a bit worried launching in waves with all the rod holders sticking out as I live in ventura county and go out days not uncommon to launch in waves.

Hobie Adventure.....

Why worry about a few rod holders during a surf launch? Just make sure they are not all holding rods with treble hooks hanging from them and you will be just fine!