Tips on modding my LIFETIME KOKANEE 106 TANDEM KAYAK

Fred Allen · January 13, 2021

I got this on a good price. I was really torn on which one I wanted to get because I had a few choices. I narrow it down to LIFETIME KOKANEE 106 TANDEM KAYAK and the LIFETIME STEALTH ANGLER 110 FISHING KAYAK.

What made me pick the tandem is the fact that its rated for 425 pounds and the Angler is rated for only 300. Also the Tandem is about 6 inches wider. I am 6 feet 2 and 255-300 pounds depending on how much I eat. So me with gear would be pushing or exceeding the Anglers weight rating. It would be tough for me to hit the 425 on the Tandem. I would probably never actually use it as a tandem it will be only myself on it.

Now I know I need to install rod holder and stuff. I would like to mod this to be good for fishing. First thing I need tips on which is a good seat because the seat on this looks bad. I would like something that sits higher and is comfortable for fishing all day. Take into account I am not rich so cost effective mods are what I am looking for. Any tips on mods I can do this winter to get ready for spring would be appreciated.

Stasher1 · January 13, 2021

Anything you do to raise the seating position will have a negative effect on the kayak's stability.

Set some 2x4's across the gunwales and sit on them while you paddle around. You may find it's stable enough to adapt a stadium seat...but you could also find that it's now so unstable that it's essentially unusable.

Bankc · January 13, 2021

Agreed. The hull on the Kokanee is designed for speed, not stability. If you look on the bottom, you'll see that it's got kind of a hybrid design. Most kayaks built for fishing use tri-hull designs for stability. So even though it's wider, that doesn't mean it's more stable. So figure out that first. You may find that it gets dangerous with a higher seat. You'll also want to figure out where to place the seat before installing anything, because that kayak was designed for two people, not one. So you'll likely be looking sit somewhere in the middle, between the two seats, or else the kayak might become unstable.

If you haven't use it yet, you might consider taking it back. You can get a Lifetime Teton Pro or Yukon, which is a bit more costly up front, but it already comes with two rod holders, a track for mounting accessories, and a comfortable stadium seat. So it might not be that much more expensive in the long run. Plus it's going to be a lot more stable, as it's designed for one person, and it's rated for 350 lbs (though I've seen some literature stating 375). It's also designed to allow you to stand up in, though not everyone can. But the fact that it's designed for that speaks to it's stability. You might also check used kayaks in your area. You might find one that while the Kokanee is rated for 425 lbs, it's rated for 425lbs that are spread out in two areas, not concentrated in one. So while it might not sink, it might roll pretty easily, or not track worth a darn.

Fred Allen · January 13, 2021

4 hours ago, Bankc said:

Agreed. The hull on the Kokanee is designed for speed, not stability. If you look on the bottom, you'll see that it's got kind of a hybrid design. Most kayaks built for fishing use tri-hull designs for stability. So even though it's wider, that doesn't mean it's more stable. So figure out that first. You may find that it gets dangerous with a higher seat. You'll also want to figure out where to place the seat before installing anything, because that kayak was designed for two people, not one. So you'll likely be looking sit somewhere in the middle, between the two seats, or else the kayak might become unstable.

If you haven't use it yet, you might consider taking it back. You can get a Lifetime Teton Pro or Yukon, which is a bit more costly up front, but it already comes with two rod holders, a track for mounting accessories, and a comfortable stadium seat. So it might not be that much more expensive in the long run. Plus it's going to be a lot more stable, as it's designed for one person, and it's rated for 350 lbs (though I've seen some literature stating 375). It's also designed to allow you to stand up in, though not everyone can. But the fact that it's designed for that speaks to it's stability. You might also check used kayaks in your area. You might find one that while the Kokanee is rated for 425 lbs, it's rated for 425lbs that are spread out in two areas, not concentrated in one. So while it might not sink, it might roll pretty easily, or not track worth a darn.

I read many reviews on both and people said the Tandem is very stable even with 3 people and a dog. The width is what really scared me about the fishing one I think being 6 inches wider would have to be more stable. Also the Tandem had different seat orientation from single person so it is in the right position. I will put fish pole holders on it first thing the try and figure a seat mod. I dont want it too high but just enough so I can put a comfortable seat that will fit me better for hours and hours of sitting down. I think I also need to buy an ore for it because now i see it does not come with one. I got a deal on the boat and would not want to bother the seller sending it back for another one so I will have to deal with this one no matter what. I just happy to have something other than my blow up SeaHawk 3 boat. Although I will still use the blow up when I go to smaller places or dont feel like lugging a big boat onto my car.

bulldog1935 · January 13, 2021

Hi Fred,

Here's a seat option that will work with your kayak and still keep your CG low.

this is made by Surf to Summit, and there are some knockoffs on ebay.

We cover distance and like our go-fast boats in the salt.

The best plan for rod holders and all future sundries (electronics) is to install a rail system. I've been fishing a T160 on the flats 12 years now - the track system was what sold me on it - the ability to rearrange my rod holders and other gear has been a boon.