My yak

[naked goby]

A few picks of modifications I have made to my yak. I have never put any holes in this yak. When I bought it, the previous owner did mount a ram ball with a rod holder, but I removed the rod holder and replaced it with a mount for my fish finder. I have another ball, but haven't decided on where to put the rod holder. To tell you the truth, other then for trolling I don't see a need for one. Anyway, her is the first pick.
http://images.snapfish.com/3438465523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3B8%3D97%3A %3DXROQDF%3E232385488%3C265ot1lsi
Nothing too crazy. I have the Wally World crate in the back (Tom told me about) and in it I have two pvc pipes for rod holders. I also have one of those brackets used to hold flags in front of your house to hold my light. On the opposite side is my anchor system. Nothing special there. On this side you see my fly rod holder. A pvc rod tube cabled tied to the front and a pvc pipe cut in half in the back for the rod to rest in. I really want to make a tube that runs the length of the yak that would open to hold the fly rod because for better protection. Depth finder wires run under the front hatch. I haven't had any leaking yet, but then again I haven't surf launched since doing it this way, although even without the cables running under the hatch it still took on water in the surf.

http://images.snapfish.com/3438465523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3B8%3D97%3A %3DXROQDF%3E23238548935%3C6ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3438465523232%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E6%3C7%3E889%3E WSNRCG%3D323294579%3A%3C57nu0mrj More fly rod holder pictures.

http://images.snapfish.com/3438465523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3B8%3D97%3A %3DXROQDF%3E232385488%3B26%3Aot1lsi Fish finder. Cable running to the left and under the hatch.
http://images.snapfish.com/3438465523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3B8%3D97%3A %3DXROQDF%3E232385488%3B399ot1lsi Battery box. Wires for transducer run back to the hatch in front of seat.
http://images.snapfish.com/3438465523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3B8%3D97%3A %3DXROQDF%3E232385488%3B%3A78ot1lsi Transducer inside this pcv coupling. This coupling is threaded on one side for threaded plug. Hold in plug for transducer wire. For the caper you have to cut the coupling about 1/4".
http://images.snapfish.com/3438465523232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3B8%3D97%3A %3DXROQDF%3E232385488%3B887ot1lsi I cut the pool noodle to hold the transducer firm to bottom when cap is screwed on.
http://images.snapfish.com/3438465523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3B8%3D97%3A %3DXROQDF%3E232385488%3C%3A44ot1lsi Transducer sitting in water. I have yet to add anymore water to the cup. Forgot to mention coupling was Gooped on. I still haven't found any Lexel, although I guess I don't need any.
http://images.snapfish.com/3438465523232%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E6%3C7%3E889%3E WSNRCG%3D32329457%3A2734nu0mrj Wally World crate. Two rod holders, mount for light, and water proof boxes for tackle and a worm bag. I have really cut down on what I bring with me. I still think I could leave about half of what I take now home.

[splitshot]

sweet setup........is the flyrod a pain to get in and out of that tube?

[naked goby]

The tube is far enough forward that it is not a big deal. The pain is that the rod lays right where you want to put your hands when getting in and out or adjusting your seat. You have to remember not to put your weight on the rod. I'd like to make a tube that opens up and would run right by the seat. When I used to do underground construction we had a supply of "split pipe". I can't seem to find any in the local stores.

The other problem is the rod sticking out the front. I would really like that to be more secure. Ibroke the tip off my 9 wt hitting a Cyprus tree the other day. If I had a longer yak that wouldn't be such an issue. I don't like having all the rods standing up in the back. As it is now, I have to be careful around the HRBT with any rods in the crate because they will hit the bridge right above the pilings.

[wpvboat]

My setup is alot like his except:
1) I have a Scotty rod holder where he has hid depth finder. I don't have a fish finder at all.
2) My flyrod holder is on the other side and is just 2 rubber clips that the rod snaps into.
3) I don't have a 6" hatch in the floor. I didn't get it because he said his leaked.
4) My light pole is just zip tied to the back of the crate.
5) My yak is yellow.

[naked goby]

The only thing that hatch is good for is installing a transducer. For storage it sucks. I take a pair of pliers and crank that hatch on as tight as I can get it.

[Bayfever]

Im setting up my tarpon 140 now i fish Hattaras surf and sound but its my first time with a yack,kinda need to know where is best to go with my new ride.Where do you fish???

[ovyaker75]

are you from around this area? norfolk, va.beach, chesapeake?

[Linstad]

My center hatch is the same way....sucky. Mine is not threaded (rubbermaid style) and it always seems to not stay on if i take it off...and it is just at the water line in my yak with the scuppers unplugged. I put my ducer and batteries below there and leave it shut!

The flyrod holder looks interesting, what do you mean by split pcv, like lenghtwise on a tablesaw? (looks like a letter "C" from end?)

[Linstad]

One thing i have discovered in my rigging...that pcv pipe is quite pliable if heated (actually will turn clear if heated enough) and will retain shape if cooled fast. I made some nice lip gripper and plier holders that fit nice and snug (like holsters) You could make a flyrod holder that would curve with the hull to accomadate a full length rod tube, slotted halfways to allow easy insertion. This would keep the tip safe (from banging into pylons) or would it damage the rod to be flexed slightly for extended periods? Just an idea....

[Trophy Fish]

Man that's what I love about yaks, the inginuity of rigging limited space for maximum performance. I have seen people using petroleum (vasoline) jelly in the pvc for the transducer.

[naked goby]

You don't need vasoline...just water. Besides, who wants the mess.

Split pipe is a type of pvc pipe that is split lengthwise. It is used for repairing sections of conduit.

[Trophy Fish]

I need to correct that last one. I have seen people using petroleum. I am still to install my depth finder. Chad has said he would help me. Hopefully I will have some time after midterms are through.

[jpkayakfish]

How did you put the pvc on the bottom of the kayak? I have a portable unit just like yours and was trying to figure it out.
Thanks

[naked goby]

The pvc is gooped. I used to just strap the unit to the top of the front hatch, but one of the prongs where the unit attached to the case corroded so I had to rewire it. Right now, I can remove the entire unit in just seconds and place it on another craft if I had to. I'm wanting to buy a boat and if I do, this unit will have to serve double duty. I also have another yak that I wanted to still beable to use the unit with.

Take the coupling and place where you want it. Then take a sharpie and trace the inside and outside of the coupling. Remove coupling and apply goop to the circle you just drew. Then place the coupling back on the goop and let is set up.

[wpvboat]

That fishfinder will be obsolete or broken by the time you get around to getting a boat. Besides, what do you need one for? I already make you go more times than you want anyway.

[bassmanpete]

You aint gonna catch any fish with that setup.

Boat wrong color
Fish finder not showing any stucture
Not enough rod holders
And the boat aint in the water either[excited][tongue]


Nice setup Naked Goby. Capers are nice craft. Mine might get some exercise tomorrow for striper.

Did you have to shape the PVC ring to fit the bottom or was there a flat spot under the center hatch. I ain't got the center hatch, and have no plans to add one as that spot is always wet on my boat.

[naked goby]

The bottom is flat Pete. I just had to shorten the coupling to get it to fit with the cap.

Since its almost Mother's Day I'll be nice to you Tom.

[Chugger]

vERY NICE !!

[newyaker]

Calvin,

Good pictures and explanations. I will look to the same sort of tranducer mount for my yak. What size PVC coupling did you use? I saw both 2" and 3" at the building supply store.

Ralph