Big Game Kayak Rigging

If you're serious about cutting a hatch hole here's some advice. If it's a round hatch use a Dremel w/ a cutting bit. If it's a square hatch use a jigsaw w/ a metal cutting blade. It cuts slower and is more precise. I like to cut the hole too small and then slowly make it bigger until the hatch juuuuust fits. I usually use a grinding bit on my Dremel for that.
Good luck and don't forget pics of the process for a possible article.

Z

Actually, I was serious....  I know, I know, I was gonna quit with the upgrades but I just need a little access to tighten nuts and someplace to store a couple of things.  It's just one hole.......

Thanks for the info.  I'd figured a metal blade would be better but wanted to check with the pros.      
I'm putting in an "A-Hatch" on my Cobra Explorer.  It came with the yak and has instructions and a template.  Maybe I'll post something on it. 

No problem. If you have any others, fire away! Hatches are really good if you have a yak w/ little access. One on the bow and one midway are the minimum IMO. Would really like to see the Cobra A hatch installation. Don't think I've seen that one done yet.

Z

When it comes to dynamic climbing ropes, I know what I need to know. However, I have no idea about the different types of materials used to rig up yaks. I want to start simple, a bow line for dragging to and fro and possibly to tow or be towed. Which line is best for this?

Thanks,
Jay

When it comes to dynamic climbing ropes, I know what I need to know. However, I have no idea about the different types of materials used to rig up yaks. I want to start simple, a bow line for dragging to and fro and possibly to tow or be towed. Which line is best for this?

Thanks,
Jay

Any type of braided nylon rope would do well.

Z

and, here's a nice site for learning new knots, though from the sounds of it, you might not need to learn any....not sure who here posted it before, but it's come in handy sevral times

http://www.animatedknots.com/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

Jay wrote

When it comes to dynamic climbing ropes, I know what I need to know. However, I have no idea about the different types of materials used to rig up yaks. I want to start simple, a bow line for dragging to and fro and possibly to tow or be towed. Which line is best for this?

If you are going to add an Anchor trolley that can double as a bow line, if you can unhook the trolley line.  See picture #6 in the original post.  That trolley is 1/4" braided nylon purchased at Sportsman Warehouse.  Best?  I don't know,  but seems to work well for me so far.

this gives you one less line to deal with, but of course now I can't anchor and use the bow line at the same time, but can't think when I would want to.

-= Scott

10. Picture of what Humminbirds, Thru-Hull transciever looks like in a Big Game.  This sculper hole was designed for that transducer to fit in there.  Unfortunaely it means that the sculper doesn't drain so well anymore.  But no glue, sillycone or other messy gooes to stick one to the inside of the yak.

11. Picture of what the tranciever looks like on the bottom. 

Scott, any problems with the transducer mounted in the scupper hole? I'm always dragging the yak around so I worry about really scraping it up there. Also, I'm looking at the 535 model. The transducer wiring is obvious but how did you run the power cable up from the battery? Which transducer did you use?

Thanks,
Jay

jay,

here's what humminbird told me when i emailed them last week about mounting hardware and transducers on yaks.;

Dear Rich,
Thank you for contacting Humminbird. The ocean kayak prowler 15 trident is compatible with Humminbird units and the Pmax 240 will work on your kayak. Your kayak also has the Humminbird compatible scupper hole to mount the thru hull transducer. You will be able to exchange the transom transducer that will come with your unit for the plastic thru hull that fits inside the scupper hole. You would need to contact Humminbird Customer Service to do the exchange. The battery you will need is a small portable gel cell battery which we do sell also, the unit will come with all mounting hardware to mount unit on kayak. I will pass the information on about getting kayak information on our website. If you have anymore questions or concerns please let us know.

Thank you,
Sequenthia
Customer Service

neither the humminbird site, or the OK site said anything about an exchange program ...glad i emailed her.
Rich

jay,

here's what humminbird told me when i emailed them last week about mounting hardware and transducers on yaks.;

Dear Rich,
Thank you for contacting Humminbird. The ocean kayak prowler 15 trident is compatible with Humminbird units and the Pmax 240 will work on your kayak. Your kayak also has the Humminbird compatible scupper hole to mount the thru hull transducer. You will be able to exchange the transom transducer that will come with your unit for the plastic thru hull that fits inside the scupper hole. You would need to contact Humminbird Customer Service to do the exchange. The battery you will need is a small portable gel cell battery which we do sell also, the unit will come with all mounting hardware to mount unit on kayak. I will pass the information on about getting kayak information on our website. If you have anymore questions or concerns please let us know.

Thank you,
Sequenthia
Customer Service

neither the humminbird site, or the OK site said anything about an exchange program ...glad i emailed her.
Rich

Richard,
The website does mention that, if there is a difference in the cost of the transducers, you have to pay the difference. I wonder if the battery they sell also comes with some sort of watertight connectors?

missed that... about the exchange program listed on the site..

thinking i saw a water prof batt. box.......try here.............:  http://www.kayakfishinggear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=4 is one of the places...

or here.: http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/StoreFront

know there's more out there incl. the  humminbird site, but these came to mind 1st......

Jay,

I bought the plastic thru-hull transducer as specified from Humminbird.  I got all kinds of scrapes on the bottom of my yak, but there is only one tiny one on the transducer.  The way it sits means it's "somewhat" protected.  Still you gotta be kinda careful with it.  It's held in by a big plastic nut, that you could remove it very easy on a big drag/portage.

The only other problem I've had with it, is that it plugs up that sculper hole pretty good, so I get a little standing water in that foot well.  Not too much, but slightly annoying on cold days to have your heel in water.

I use a small 12v "motorcycle/marine" maring battery.  It fits nicely on the battery shelf on the big game.  I store mine in a small drybag and just roll it up with the cable hanging out the top of the bag, then secure it on the shelf.  This has worked great for keeping it very dry.  The cable I just tuck under the front hatch, that gasket seems to hold the cable and keep most of the water out still. I didn't want to put more holes in the boat.

I bought the transducer outright so I could use the supplied one on my float tube/boat - so can't speak to their exchange program.  Sounds like a PITA.

Note - that there is no speed or temperature setting with that plastic thru-hull transducer.  Not sure if the brass one would work?  Also I have the 343 model (like color, but not the smaller screen).  In hindsite, I wish I did get the version with GPS, but then I like gadgets.