Hacking Yak II - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

dsafety · 02-19-2011, 04:51 PM

While you have that thing cut open, you could take the opportunity to add a few useful internal features. If it were me, I would put in a Hobie-style hatch in front of the seat and install some bulkheads, front and rear to keep stuff from sliding out of reach. Maybe that big square cut-out is an aftermarket hatch that has already been installed. If so, the bulkheads are still a good idea.

You could use some kind of a rigid but lightweight foam for the bulkheads and while you are at it, add some foam to the bow and stern for flotation in case you spring a leak one of these days.

You could also take the opportunity to wire for future electronics such as a fish finder, bait tank, lights, etc.

I also noticed that you had to sacrifice the cup holder as part of this project. Of course no one cares much about holding cups but you have to have a place for to set your beer down when you hook up. I think that falls under recommended safety gear.

The project appears to be coming along nicely. When is the maiden voyage?

Bob

bubblehide · 02-19-2011, 05:38 PM

Bob, you must have read my mind. Actually I plan on glassing in a spot for a H2O proof battery box in the forward upper portion of that hole you see there; for a LION battery (think small size and light weight). The yak came with bulkheads, the forward one I cut out for rod storage. The hole right in front of the seat is for an aftermarket hatch, I simply removed it while doing this project. The second bulkhead is right behind the seat, then there is a very large storage area right behind the seat accessible from a round hatch cover topside and a third bulkhead closing it off to the rest of the rear of the yak. Since the drive housing will span the top and bottom sides of the yak, I don't think I'll need any additional reinforcing; but if necessary I could easily add a center post right in front of the hatch after the fact.

I was going to start working on a mold for a built in bait tank just to the rear of the rear storage; so I can keep the weight low, wind resistance down, always have it available, and have one less thing to tie down. I'll add some vertical rod storage/holders while I'm working on it. Basically, while I'm cutting it up, I want to take the time to turn in into a full fledged fishing machine. Now how do I get someone to donate a new HDS/gps unit

As far as a maiden voyage, I have no idea, it's not a small project, not the first thing on my long list of things to do; but I'm giving it some priority and will continue to plug away at it, weather permitting.

02-19-2011, 04:51 PM	#1
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,122	While you have that thing cut open, you could take the opportunity to add a few useful internal features. If it were me, I would put in a Hobie-style hatch in front of the seat and install some bulkheads, front and rear to keep stuff from sliding out of reach. Maybe that big square cut-out is an aftermarket hatch that has already been installed. If so, the bulkheads are still a good idea. You could use some kind of a rigid but lightweight foam for the bulkheads and while you are at it, add some foam to the bow and stern for flotation in case you spring a leak one of these days. You could also take the opportunity to wire for future electronics such as a fish finder, bait tank, lights, etc. I also noticed that you had to sacrifice the cup holder as part of this project. Of course no one cares much about holding cups but you have to have a place for to set your beer down when you hook up. I think that falls under recommended safety gear. The project appears to be coming along nicely. When is the maiden voyage? Bob

02-19-2011, 05:38 PM	#2
bubblehide Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 552	Bob, you must have read my mind. Actually I plan on glassing in a spot for a H2O proof battery box in the forward upper portion of that hole you see there; for a LION battery (think small size and light weight). The yak came with bulkheads, the forward one I cut out for rod storage. The hole right in front of the seat is for an aftermarket hatch, I simply removed it while doing this project. The second bulkhead is right behind the seat, then there is a very large storage area right behind the seat accessible from a round hatch cover topside and a third bulkhead closing it off to the rest of the rear of the yak. Since the drive housing will span the top and bottom sides of the yak, I don't think I'll need any additional reinforcing; but if necessary I could easily add a center post right in front of the hatch after the fact. I was going to start working on a mold for a built in bait tank just to the rear of the rear storage; so I can keep the weight low, wind resistance down, always have it available, and have one less thing to tie down. I'll add some vertical rod storage/holders while I'm working on it. Basically, while I'm cutting it up, I want to take the time to turn in into a full fledged fishing machine. Now how do I get someone to donate a new HDS/gps unit As far as a maiden voyage, I have no idea, it's not a small project, not the first thing on my long list of things to do; but I'm giving it some priority and will continue to plug away at it, weather permitting.