Modding The Revo

Since I got my Revo 13 a couple weeks ago, I've been researching my options for various rigging options. So far I have a Scotty mount with a rod holder installed. (Thanks Sherminator). I don't want to add a ton of stuff onto the yak, but eventually I will have a ff installed. I see by searching the forums that most people install their transducer in a foam puck in the hull of the kayak. Does anyone use something similar to the Mad Frog Transducer Deployment Arm? Its looks like it would be easy to swap between multiple boats. Any thoughts? Also under consideration is ways to store fish. What are you guys using/recommending? I have fish clip already but was looking at a catch bag or something similar as well.




Following will show my additions/modifications and rigging of my kayak

Does anyone know whether that Micro Liberator fits the GearTrac by Yak Attack? That's something I need to check into.  I don't have a Wilderness System track system, but I have a Revo 13 like you. I've been patiently waiting for Yak Attack's narrow GearTrac to become available  While I'm waiting, I keep reconfiguring things in my own mind as I log more and more time fishing. If that TDA can be mounted to the GearTrac via the Micro Liberator the way it's shown here for the WS yak, then I like the idea of this very much.

I know there is an attachment to use a Scotty mount or a RAM mount option. I would use one of those options most likely.

Here is my yak sitting in Noahs garage after Wobbler dropped it off, after picking it up from Camano Marine in Washington. Mine is the one still wrapped up.




After bringing it to its new home in Sherminators garage it met its new stable mate a 2011 Hobie Oasis. The first mod was the addition of a Scotty mount for my rod holder. This is the only mod for now. I will try it out and see what needs to be done next.




Scotty Mount




Got the Sailing Rudder installed. Old rudder sitting on top for comparison.




I also stole an idea from Palmetto kayaking thanks to Andyjades post of an awesome milk crate. I just used the beer bottle pvc molding technique. More milk crate mods to come.

Looking good!

Right on. Way to go in the rigging. Start slow and add stuff when you need it.

Thanks guys! Next goal is some blood on the yak.

Just make sure it's fish blood! ;-)

Nice work...

Ditto on using the kayak as much as possible before committing to accessory placement, or be prepared to move things.  3 years later, and I am still not satisfied with my placement solutions.  I am hoping the more narrow YakAttack GearTracs (GT90) which better fit the Revo gunwales will be the solution for which  I've been looking.  YakAttack expects the GT90 products any day.

The first transducer mount I used on my Revo was a DIY wand.  I kept forgetting to retract it when landing.  Inside the hull, under the seat is almost "install and forget."  Just got to get a few tablespoons of water in it.  A small syringe (no needle) kept in the gear bucket is used to fill with water.  I've tried nearly every transducer mount option thought of, and have recently returned to the foam block and water under my seat.  The grease mount killed my transducer and the plumber's putty (Duct Seal) is an oily product and may do the same. 

Just about the only mounting scheme I've encountered but not tried, though have considered, is a rudder mount.  This would be similar to a transom mount and would require fabricating a simple bracket and drilling a couple of holes in my sailing rudder.  It seems like one could use the drain plug as a cable route. 

For storing fish, I've been using an 18" game clip to keep them in the water until bled, then into a YakCatch3 bag with Techni-Ice.  The bag contains an internal ice bag, and is slightly tapered and fits on the bow of my Revo clipped to the bungie lacing I installed.  $40 or so online somewhere.  I like it, but be careful with the clips.  They are simply plastic and the tips can break off.  As mine become damaged I'll replace them with mini-stainless carabiners.  Below is a link to the Yakcatch3 on my Revo.

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=6890.msg71579#msg71579

I've been fishing my revo with zero, zilch, nada, permanent mods yet.  It hasn't affected my fishing at all.  The only thing I am going to HAVE to do, is install a rod holder for downrigger trolling when salmon season hits.

Keep it clean and simple, you won't regret it.

I've been fishing my revo with zero, zilch, nada, permanent mods yet.  It hasn't affected my fishing at all.  The only thing I am going to HAVE to do, is install a rod holder for downrigger trolling when salmon season hits.

Keep it clean and simple, you won't regret it.

What Lee is saying in layman terms is that he either doesn't own a hand drill, or is unsure of his man skills required to properly secure bling to the kayak.

Lee, I can provide you with a 1 step program to get you over said fear and on to new heights in Get 'R Dun'ology! 


Step one 1.  Have Linglady do it for you, she seams more than capable. 

I've been fishing my revo with zero, zilch, nada, permanent mods yet.  It hasn't affected my fishing at all.  The only thing I am going to HAVE to do, is install a rod holder for downrigger trolling when salmon season hits.

Keep it clean and simple, you won't regret it.

That is one approach, then there is the Rawkfish way,
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=5957.0

Jeff's thread is a great place to get ideas from. I'm slowing adding one at time

Step one 1.  Have Linglady do it for you, she seams more than capable.   

I've been fishing my revo with zero, zilch, nada, permanent mods yet.  It hasn't affected my fishing at all.  The only thing I am going to HAVE to do, is install a rod holder for downrigger trolling when salmon season hits.

Keep it clean and simple, you won't regret it.

What Lee is saying in layman terms is that he either doesn't own a hand drill, or is unsure of his man skills required to properly secure bling to the kayak.

Lee, I can provide you with a 1 step program to get you over said fear and on to new heights in Get 'R Dun'ology! 


Step one 1.  Have Linglady do it for you, she seams more than capable. 

I own 2 drills.

After remodeling my bathroom  (read:  gutting and starting from scratch), refinishing the hardwood floors, installing tile in the kitchen and putting grounds into the important electrical outlets of my 1940s rambler, I feel competent in drilling holes in my yak.  In fact, I do recall putting lots of holes into Jabba's Sail Barge, you know, the Tarpon 160 I used to own.

Actually, what I was saying is that less is more.  Well I mean, lets just be honest, excessive modification and additions of gadgetry is just another form of overcompensation.  Be it for masculinity issues or a lack of fish in the boat.  After all, if you can't get blood or slime on it, you can distract with mounting options right?

Since her time won't be needed in showing me how to use a drill, I could ask her to show you how to fish.  With your stellar performance at the ORC and all, seems you could use the tutelage.

I've been fishing my revo with zero, zilch, nada, permanent mods yet.  It hasn't affected my fishing at all.  The only thing I am going to HAVE to do, is install a rod holder for downrigger trolling when salmon season hits.

Keep it clean and simple, you won't regret it.

What Lee is saying in layman terms is that he either doesn't own a hand drill, or is unsure of his man skills required to properly secure bling to the kayak.

Lee, I can provide you with a 1 step program to get you over said fear and on to new heights in Get 'R Dun'ology! 


Step one 1.  Have Linglady do it for you, she seams more than capable. 

I own 2 drills.

After remodeling my bathroom  (read:  gutting and starting from scratch), refinishing the hardwood floors, installing tile in the kitchen and putting grounds into the important electrical outlets of my 1940s rambler, I feel competent in drilling holes in my yak.  In fact, I do recall putting lots of holes into Jabba's Sail Barge, you know, the Tarpon 160 I used to own.

Actually, what I was saying is that less is more.  Well I mean, lets just be honest, excessive modification and additions of gadgetry is just another form of overcompensation.  Be it for masculinity issues or a lack of fish in the boat.  After all, if you can't get blood or slime on it, you can distract with mounting options right?

Since her time won't be needed in showing me how to use a drill, I could ask her to show you how to fish.  With your stellar performance at the ORC and all, seems you could use the tutelage.

Rawkfish, are you reading this?  What overcompensation is he talking about? 

All those gadgets and gizmos and excessive modification to both my Revo and Rawkfish's Revo have clearly made our Revo's more enticing to the fish. 
Just check the AOTY stats, I can't make this stuff up.   

Love you like a brother Lee, bring your Linglady down sometime and we'll go slay some fishies!