Big Game Kayak Rigging

Folks, I borrowed a lot of good ideas from the Internet for rigging my Ocean Kayak Big Game, and thought I'd share them with you. Feel free to critique any of these changes and/or provide any feedback.

1. Front view loaded up and ready to launch


2. Rear view loaded up and ready to launch


3. Added on the OK hatch option.  Wish they made it the same color, and you could access it while in the yak, but the seat gets in the way. 


4. Inexpensive PVC stand, seems to work great

...more ideas. 

5. Front anchor pully attached with some shockcord to keep line tensioned.

6. Caribiner to release anchor and line.  The trolly has a clip on it also so I can unclip the trolley line and use it to drag the kayak in shallow water.

7. Tie off cleat for anchor line, and quick cleat for trolly line.  Could have put a simplier cleat for trolley, but liked this idea.  Maybe should have put the tie off cleat for anchor line further forward as getting in the kayak from the water might be harder with all this crap sticking out.  I'll keep the other side cleaner for smoother re-entry (and try to only fall off in that direction .  I added a ruler with the little black marks down the side of the kayak.  The big slashes are 1 foot, the medium slashes are 6" and the little black dots are 3".  This way I can put a fish to the side of the yak to get an idea of length. (UPDATE - With my latest anchor system the Tie Off Cleat was not needed - see below)

8.  Rear pully for trolley - note, no shock cord.  We'll see if that becomes an issue.  Wouldn't be hard to shorten my trolley rope if I need to add a shock absorber to this end also.

...more

9.  5# Anchor set up.  Note zip tie as weak point on anchor chain in case it get's stuck.  Probably should have used a larger chain, this one is 1'.

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. 

12. 5/32" Anchor line.  Bought this because it came with a spool, but then realized it's only 75', so I wrapped two more spools on it.  UPDATE - Changed the Spool set-up and quick release.  See the tread titled "Anchor Rig?" for a better explaination.  Basically the original idea was pain to get line off and on and would make knots.  I finally found an electrical cord spool and made a simple "Anchor-Trolley Lead" with a clip on both ends, and a float inbetween.  Once in position, one end goes through side of spool and attaches to line, the other end attaches to my Trolley.  That way I can just unclip the line, spool and anchor with one clip if things get hairy.

...more ideas...

13.  Humminbird Fish finder mounted in Scotty base.  I had to fabricate the plate between the Scotty fish finder mounting plate and the bottom of the Humminbird mount.  The holes didn't line up right.  I had some 1/2" acrylic laying around so drilled and tapped the correct holes on each side.  I wanted to be able to remove the fishfinder or move it to a differnet mount depending on what I'm doing.  I also didn't drill holes for the fish finder cables,  I found that they tuck under the front hatch pretty easily so why put more holes in it.

14.  Battery set-up.  I use the red dry bag to hold the Battery.  I just roll it up in this dry bag and then it lives on the battery shelf in the Big Game.  Hasn't gotten close to getting wet yet.

15.  I added a marine mount for my GPS in the center tray.  You can flip that tray 180 degrees if I want my cup older back.  I have a couple of these small GPS's so didn't see the need to buy a fish finder w/GPS .  In hindsite, I kinda wish I did, but haven't used it enough to justify it.  I do like that I can reach the GPS easily - The Fish Finder is so far away I usually end up operating it with the end of my paddle.

16. I also added a Scotty mount in the tray, the other mounts are too far away.  I'm not sure this is strong enough for Sturgeon or Chinook, I'll find out soon...hopefully.  I also needed to add the extender as I found my bigger rods needed the extra height.  You will also see a homemade rod leash I saw on you-tube.  Most of the ideas you see here are from other people.

That's it - hope this gives you some ideas.  If you see anything wierd I should change let me know.

- Scott

Scott ... that is just NICE!!!

Can I convert it to an article for the front page?

-Allen

Sure thing.  I was trying to get it all on one page and put captions with the images, but couldn't figure it out, hence the multiple posts.  Feel free to use it however you'd like.  I liked finding these ideas, and tweaking them on my kayak.  Others might find them useful on their own boats.

-= Scott

Talk about a pimped out yak. Nice! Now all you need is some h₂0.
BTW.. You do realize that you've got a serious case of the madness now right? Welcome to the club!

Z

That is one sweet ride!

My yak is ghetto fab by comparison. 

It looks like I've got a ways to go with my new, umpimped, yak. I think I need to start with a milk crate for organization and a rod holder up front. Any ideas on where to get a crate cheap? Is there a single rod holder that works well with fly, spin, and casting rods?

Jay

all i can say is, " wow"...

Yikes... my kayaks are going to have an inferiority complex!

It looks like I've got a ways to go with my new, umpimped, yak. I think I need to start with a milk crate for organization and a rod holder up front. Any ideas on where to get a crate cheap? Is there a single rod holder that works well with fly, spin, and casting rods?

Jay

Don't do it steelheadr!  Step...away...from the crate!

That's how it starts..... 

You pick up a milk crate.  Everything's great "That wasn't so much" you say to yourself.  But, soon you're mounting some PVC to it, to hold a net or a spare rod.  Next thing you know you're putting on a bow line "so I have something to pull it around by", you tell yourself.  And, once it's in, "Gee, that bow line would work as an anchor trolley....".

It doesn't stop there.  Oh no, it CAN'T stop there.  No, you've gone to far by that point.  Slimply setting stuff on your yak isn't good enough.  The rush isn't as powerfull anymore.

You move on to the harder stuff.  Punching holes in your poor yak so you can mainline the upgrades.  Soon you're up all night making custom power supplies.  Skipping work so you can fabricate some kind of adapter plate.  Ignoring your family and friends to try and come up with one more thing that has yet to be created from pool noodle and goop. 

Yeah, you know who you guys are.   I'm talking about YOU.

You think it doesn't show?  You think nobody outside your circle of yak upgrade addicted friends notices?  Fools!  All of you!  Fools I say!

Ummmm, can anyone here tell me whether I should use a wood blade or a metal blade in my jig saw for cutting a hatch hole in my Cobra?  What?

Don't do it steelheadr!  Step...away...from the crate!

That's how it starts..... 

You pick up a milk crate.  Everything's great "That wasn't so much" you say to yourself.  But, soon you're mounting some PVC to it, to hold a net or a spare rod.  Next thing you know you're putting on a bow line "so I have something to pull it around by", you tell yourself.  And, once it's in, "Gee, that bow line would work as an anchor trolley....".

It doesn't stop there.  Oh no, it CAN'T stop there.  No, you've gone to far by that point.  Slimply setting stuff on your yak isn't good enough.  The rush isn't as powerfull anymore.

You move on to the harder stuff.  Punching holes in your poor yak so you can mainline the upgrades.  Soon you're up all night making custom power supplies.  Skipping work so you can fabricate some kind of adapter plate.  Ignoring your family and friends to try and come up with one more thing that has yet to be created from pool noodle and goop. 

Yeah, you know who you guys are.   I'm talking about YOU.

You think it doesn't show?  You think nobody outside your circle of yak upgrade addicted friends notices?  Fools!  All of you!  Fools I say!

[/quote]

In spirit,,,,,I'm already there   

It looks like I've got a ways to go with my new, umpimped, yak. I think I need to start with a milk crate for organization and a rod holder up front. Any ideas on where to get a crate cheap? Is there a single rod holder that works well with fly, spin, and casting rods?

Jay

Don't do it steelheadr!  Step...away...from the crate!

That's how it starts..... 

You pick up a milk crate.  Everything's great "That wasn't so much" you say to yourself.  But, soon you're mounting some PVC to it, to hold a net or a spare rod.  Next thing you know you're putting on a bow line "so I have something to pull it around by", you tell yourself.  And, once it's in, "Gee, that bow line would work as an anchor trolley....".

It doesn't stop there.  Oh no, it CAN'T stop there.  No, you've gone to far by that point.  Slimply setting stuff on your yak isn't good enough.  The rush isn't as powerfull anymore.

You move on to the harder stuff.  Punching holes in your poor yak so you can mainline the upgrades.  Soon you're up all night making custom power supplies.  Skipping work so you can fabricate some kind of adapter plate.  Ignoring your family and friends to try and come up with one more thing that has yet to be created from pool noodle and goop. 

Yeah, you know who you guys are.   I'm talking about YOU.

You think it doesn't show?  You think nobody outside your circle of yak upgrade addicted friends notices?  Fools!  All of you!  Fools I say!

Ummmm, can anyone here tell me whether I should use a wood blade or a metal blade in my jig saw for cutting a hatch hole in my Cobra?  What?

Ahhhh the madness! It claims yet another victim.

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

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.