Off Season Kayak Outfitting

[Koz]

Winter is here, and while I will still be able to fish, my primary goal this off season is to improve the fishability of my Old Town Autopilot 120.

 

More Speed

The top speed of the Autopilot is around 4.3 mph when running full throttle. But the drawback is that at full throttle it goes through the battery quickly. I run a 100 Ah battery for my trolling motor, and at full speed it will draw down that battery in two hours. Of course, no one fished WOT all day long, but I do worry about getting stranded out there. That's why one of the batteries I use for electronics is 100Ah so I can use it as a backup.

 

When I make a run to another spot, my speed setting is 8/10 and depending upon the wind and current my speed is between 2.8 mph and 3.5 mph. My goal is to get the top level speed closer to 4 mph by shedding some weight on the kayak. 

 

The problem is that each of these 100 AH batteries is 22 pounds and that weight reduces speed. I also have two 18Ah batteries on board that power a Humminbird unit and my camera. Each of those batteries weight 4.3 pounds, so my total battery weight is about 53 pounds.  I'm going to replace the 100 Ah battery that I use for Livescope with a 26 Ah battery that weighs only 9 pounds, shedding 22 pounds. All of my electronics will run off of that 36 Ah battery.

 

The next part of shedding weight is packing lighter when it comes to tackle. I could probably easily cut about 10 pounds in soft plastics and baits. If I need something I'll have to do without or head back to my truck where I store extra baits in a bin. If I can personally shed another 20 pounds by spring that will help as well.

 

I thought about changing the prop with the RC airplane prop that some people are using, but doing so voids my warranty and it won't handle the weeds I encounter. I also fish in some areas with lots of flooded timber and I think would end up breaking off.

 

Livescope Mount Issues

The Fishing Specialties Livescope mount that is a nice product, but it's a fixed mount. When I'm in on the go dicey areas like rocks and flooded timber or when I'm making a speed run somewhere I have to unclip the arm and lay it down on my deck. It's not a huge deal, but it does get annoying.

 

So the other day I ordered some Ram ball mounts and plates. The goal is to have one of the balls on the rail connected to a short arm Ram mount that connects to an adapter plate attached to the Fishing Specialties plate. If this works the way it should, it will turn my mount into an articulating arm so the mount can be stowed on the rail.

 

Wiring

My wiring got a little sloppy as I added more and more items. It's time to clean all of that up with wiring sleeves and harnesses.

 

Storage and Organization

Someday a kayak manufacturer is going to add deck storage so anglers don't have to turn around and reach into their storage crates. Bonafide has done a bit of that with the XTR 130. I do keep 4 tackle storage boxes in the space next to my seat, but I need a little more. I'm looking at adding a Yak Attack TracPak up front for additional storage. I'm also thinking about adding a YakAttack Sidestage system for horizontal rod storage.

 

I thought about wrapping my kayak, but I'll save that for another time.

 

So, what items are you planning on upgrading or changing with your kayak this winter?

[LrgmouthShad]

3 hours ago, Koz said:

 

So, what items are you planning on upgrading or changing with your kayak this winter?

Swapping out for a new kayak crate / rod holders that enables me to carry a few more rods in the yak. Right now I’m limited to five. 
 

Refining my electronics mount because it is sketchy right now. 
 

Besides that, nothing for now. If I get big into tournaments, I will do an overhaul of electronics a couple/few years from now. A lot is up in the air right now because it is likely I’ll be overseas next year. 

[FryDog62]

I’ve loaded up my AP120 with all the electronic toys (Captain's bridge, 2 units, Livescope, 360 Imaging) Plus a loaded Blackpak Pro with 8 rods. Has dropped me from 4.1 mph to 3.7 but I wouldn’t fish without any of the stuff above.  My alternative is a bigger kayak/motor system, but not something I think about … at least very often

[casts_by_fly]

For the first winter since I’ve had it, I don’t think I’m going to do anything.  I don’t need any electronics.  I have everything refined for what I fish.

 

Then again, I’m probably buying a boat so plenty to sort there…

[Susky River Rat]

@casts_by_fly that’s the best kayak upgrade you can do

[BassinBrett]

I just upgraded the kayak to a Coosa X from Jackson.  So I will be rebuilding everything this winter. Fist thing is to make a transducer mount for under hull transducer pocket.  Then a new kayak crate.  

[casts_by_fly]

36 minutes ago, Susky River Rat said:

@casts_by_fly that’s the best kayak upgrade you can do

 

Ha!

 

anyone want to upgrade themselves into a fantastic autopilot, fully rigged?

 

rick

[LootyDjibouti]

I want an anchor set up this season. I have most of the components including an Anchor Wizard, but will also be getting the Navarre Anchor Mount for my Old Town. I fished fine enough without the anchor but there were definitely some days in the spring in particular where I wanted one. I have a ton of trouble fishing e.g. a jerkbait without being anchored in one place. 

One little nuisance about working on the kayak in the offseason... it's cold here in NJ so the kayak plastic isn't as malleable. It's actually "easier" to work on my kayak after setting it out in the warm sun during the season. Idk if it expands but it seems easier to horse it a little if things don't perfectly line up w/ aftermarket parts.

[The Rooster]

I’m late to the party and probably underdressed for it considering what these kayaks sound like. Mine is a Pelican Rally 100XP. 10’ long, 30” wide, weighs 41 pounds, and it has no electronics and no power of any kind except for muscle power. But I did buy it brand new in late September and it was a bit of a weight capacity downsize from my old Magellan Pro Angler 10’3” that weighed about 60 pounds. Overall capacity dropped from 325 down to 300. I’m 6’1” and was 265 pounds at the time. I knew if I wanted the Pelican to work I’d have to shed weight. Since then I’ve lost 18 pounds and now sit at 247 with a goal of about 235 by spring. 
 

I’ve spent the winter customizing my kayak, adding a Railblaza Rod Holder II in front, changing the grab handles from the dangling rope type to the strap type, added two storage pouches near the seat, added a track and cupholder in front of the seat, two flush mount rod holders behind the seat, and a Yak Attack Pad-Loc paddle clip on one side. 
 

Also after having 4 kayaks I’ve now built my first kayak crate. I went with a standard milk crate and added tactical pouches along the outside for soft plastics storage, another pouch made for kayaks on the inside for item storage when not in use (pliers and scale move up front when on the water), and I rigged a bungee system to retain three 3600 size boxes and one 3500 size. The two rod holders are Railblaza Rod Stows, chosen because of the mount fitting perfectly in the recessed area of the crate. I made a bungee system to be able to secure my rods against loss when in the stows. Then I dressed it up with neon accents all around just to make it look good, but also to help with function since often I’ll be feeling behind myself for a zipper pull or rod lash using peripheral vision only. Neon stands out against black.

 

There is also an empty space in the bottom for bulk storage of whatever I want while on the water, and it serves to hold my removable front rod holder, and cup holder, and FRS radio when I am done for the day. All stowed together.

 

I designed this “system” to be a grab and go setup so I don’t need to remember to pack anything and don’t have to pick apart my boat tackle before trips. I’m calling it my “yakklebox”. With the crate, my kayak can hold up to 5 rods, all secured by bungee and hook system, or in the locking front rod holder.
 

 

 

 

[Cuivre]

I just received my new Jackson Big Rig FD yesterday.  Some things I will transfer over from my rigged up Coosa FD, but due to a chunk of money coming in and moving from a contractor to an FTE, I will make it the kayak I want.  I'll keep my Native crate- it works well for me and isn't too big.  I'll upgrade electronics to the Humminbird Explore series with he MegaLive 2 transducer.  I don't know if I'll keep my RailBlaza turret mount or go with something else.  Jackson has some underseat and accessory storage (and add on TriTrack) I'll probably get and I'll either transfer my Anchor Wizard or buy a fresh one.  I have a "Da Bomb" anchor on order- a buddy of mine owns the company.  I'm waiting on my Newport NK300 to come in and I already have a 36V 50 aHr battery.  I don't know what steering system I'll use- looking at the Tim Percy system,  I don't know if I would like foot steering.  YakPower system and mounted nav lights will also come pretty soon.  

[MRQturbo]

My autopilot 120 was pretty heavily rigged the 1st year I got it.. I'll add some rear pacific yak angler aluminum to match my front tracks... Upgrade the stock switch for the trolling motor, did the battery side last winter... Aside from adding ffs or an NK300 are the only other things I will consider to do in the future... 

[Koz]

3 hours ago, The Rooster said:

I’m late to the party and probably underdressed for it considering what these kayaks sound like. Mine is a Pelican Rally 100XP. 10’ long, 30” wide, weighs 41 pounds, and it has no electronics and no power of any kind except for muscle power. But I did buy it brand new in late September and it was a bit of a weight capacity downsize from my old Magellan Pro Angler 10’3” that weighed about 60 pounds. Overall capacity dropped from 325 down to 300. I’m 6’1” and was 265 pounds at the time. I knew if I wanted the Pelican to work I’d have to shed weight. Since then I’ve lost 18 pounds and now sit at 247 with a goal of about 235 by spring. 
 

I’ve spent the winter customizing my kayak, adding a Railblaza Rod Holder II in front, changing the grab handles from the dangling rope type to the strap type, added two storage pouches near the seat, added a track and cupholder in front of the seat, two flush mount rod holders behind the seat, and a Yak Attack Pad-Loc paddle clip on one side. 
 

Also after having 4 kayaks I’ve now built my first kayak crate. I went with a standard milk crate and added tactical pouches along the outside for soft plastics storage, another pouch made for kayaks on the inside for item storage when not in use (pliers and scale move up front when on the water), and I rigged a bungee system to retain three 3600 size boxes and one 3500 size. The two rod holders are Railblaza Rod Stows, chosen because of the mount fitting perfectly in the recessed area of the crate. I made a bungee system to be able to secure my rods against loss when in the stows. Then I dressed it up with neon accents all around just to make it look good, but also to help with function since often I’ll be feeling behind myself for a zipper pull or rod lash using peripheral vision only. Neon stands out against black.

 

There is also an empty space in the bottom for bulk storage of whatever I want while on the water, and it serves to hold my removable front rod holder, and cup holder, and FRS radio when I am done for the day. All stowed together.

 

I designed this “system” to be a grab and go setup so I don’t need to remember to pack anything and don’t have to pick apart my boat tackle before trips. I’m calling it my “yakklebox”. With the crate, my kayak can hold up to 5 rods, all secured by bungee and hook system, or in the locking front rod holder.
 

 

 

 

Great story and good for you getting yourself in better shape.

 

I did chuckle when you said “60 pound kayak” and I’m thinking that I have about 60 pounds of just batteries on my rig.

[MRQturbo]

3 hours ago, Koz said:

Great story and good for you getting yourself in better shape.

 

I did chuckle when you said “60 pound kayak” and I’m thinking that I have about 60 pounds of just batteries on my rig.

Do you trailer your autopilot? I've been car topping mine for the past 2 years.. She's heavy but I've managed to be able to easily load and unload it myself.. 

[Koz]

22 hours ago, MRQturbo said:

Do you trailer your autopilot? I've been car topping mine for the past 2 years.. She's heavy but I've managed to be able to easily load and unload it myself.. 

There is absolutely no way I would or could car top that beast. First off, I’m 60 years old and not that strong anymore.

 

Second, I have a ton of gear including FFS that adds weight.

 

But even trailering wasn’t enough. Once I added the winch it became a breeze to load and unload. 

[Cabinlife]

On 11/25/2024 at 6:56 PM, casts_by_fly said:

 

Ha!

 

anyone want to upgrade themselves into a fantastic autopilot, fully rigged?

 

rick

Hey Rick,

let me know when you’re ready to sell, I have an atak 120 and I’m on the fence between outfitting it with a motor or getting an old town…thanks

walt 

[casts_by_fly]

34 minutes ago, Cabinlife said:

Hey Rick,

let me know when you’re ready to sell, I have an atak 120 and I’m on the fence between outfitting it with a motor or getting an old town…thanks

walt 

hi Walt,

 

I just put a deposit on a boat yesterday so I’m ready. I was just looking at it in the garage and getting ready to list it. If you’re interested we can get together and you see it. 
 

rick

[Cuivre]

3 hours ago, Koz said:

There is absolutely no way I would or could car top that beast. First off, I’m 60 years old and not that strong anymore.

 

Second, I have a ton of gear including FFS that adds weight.

 

But even trailering wasn’t enough. Once I added the winch it became a breeze to load and unload. 

I use my winch to its full advantage as well.  I'm re-doing my kayak trailer and changing out the bunks and painting the frame to match my kayak (was green- painting it to black).  I use carpeted wood bunks but also put plastic bunk skids on them to reduce the friction.  

[Cabinlife]

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

I just put a deposit on a boat yesterday so I’m ready.

Congrats on the new boat, best of luck with it….im available most weekends, let me know if that works and we can set something up…will you be using the electronics on your new boat or are they included with the old town? 
thanks 

[casts_by_fly]

5 hours ago, Cabinlife said:

Congrats on the new boat, best of luck with it….im available most weekends, let me know if that works and we can set something up…will you be using the electronics on your new boat or are they included with the old town? 
thanks 

I’ll send you a private message here. 

[KYKBassing]

I picked up a Garmin 32LVS for ice fishing and am debating the following options:

1) Replace my current Humminbird set up with the Garmin 

2) Install both

3) Just use the Humminbird

 

Options 1 & 2 open the door to a bunch more spending, so I'm debating on the practical applications.  Typically, I'm in 5ft of water or less with abundant weeds and structure.

 

Otherwise, I ordered the new Wizard foot control steering, hope to get it soon.  Looks like a nice improvement.

[MonsterZero]

I need to add some rod holders to my kayak crate. I am also going to install my Magnalure pad, and possible change out some of the bungies I did not change from last year. Need to get new PFDs for myself and the wife as well; I am going to be fishing a blue hole this year and they are very dangerous.

[casts_by_fly]

17 hours ago, KYKBassing said:

I picked up a Garmin 32LVS for ice fishing and am debating the following options:

1) Replace my current Humminbird set up with the Garmin 

2) Install both

3) Just use the Humminbird

 

Options 1 & 2 open the door to a bunch more spending, so I'm debating on the practical applications.  Typically, I'm in 5ft of water or less with abundant weeds and structure.

 

Otherwise, I ordered the new Wizard foot control steering, hope to get it soon.  Looks like a nice improvement.

 

 

in 5' or less with a lot of grass I think you'll see minimal practical benefit from live imaging.  perspective mode might be useful for you depending how you're fishing.  Look up Scott Martin on the Okeechobee tournament 2024 to see shallow grass with livescope perspective.  If that's the only benefit though, I wouldn't bother swapping or adding it.

[KYKBassing]

6 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

 

in 5' or less with a lot of grass I think you'll see minimal practical benefit from live imaging.  perspective mode might be useful for you depending how you're fishing.  Look up Scott Martin on the Okeechobee tournament 2024 to see shallow grass with livescope perspective.  If that's the only benefit though, I wouldn't bother swapping or adding it.

Thanks for the input, I'll check that out. There are a few open water areas available, but I figure I'd have to anchor on the shallow break, let the wind point me downwind and point the livescope that direction to be able to track my bait. (I don't have spot-lock)

 

It's pandora's box adding a 2nd graph as well. Bigger battery, power distribution system, graph mounting, black box mounting, pole mounting, etc...🤔

[Koz]

16 hours ago, KYKBassing said:

Thanks for the input, I'll check that out. There are a few open water areas available, but I figure I'd have to anchor on the shallow break, let the wind point me downwind and point the livescope that direction to be able to track my bait. (I don't have spot-lock)

 

It's pandora's box adding a 2nd graph as well. Bigger battery, power distribution system, graph mounting, black box mounting, pole mounting, etc...🤔

Dugout Bait and Tackle has a great crossbar for only $79. Just note that it doesn’t use a track system for the graphs. You have to drill holes.

 

100 Ah Weize batteries are only about $220 each. I have used one for my motor and one for my Garmin FFS, Humminbird mapping, lights, heading sensor, and cameras.

 

However, on my recent trip to FL, in order to save weight I ran a 36Ah Weize battery for my electronics only and it lasted a full day of tournament fishing.

[Gera]

I'm working on a light kayak setup. smaller or no crate at all, less and more versatile rods, smaller batteries.. I'm tired of carrying all that crap.