Kayak Modifications

[Wayne Wells]

These were actually precipitated from concerns about carrying a kayak with gear inside and how to best tether a kayak to a vehicle.

Happy to say that the gear has been pared down enough that only some of the more noxious chemicals and propane will ride up to in a well secured case. I've decided that the kitchen sink can stay at home, and the super-mega-Walmart has most everything one could desire.

 

I have always been concerned about the tie-down systems on kayaks, so I modified the one most stores provide you with. I removed the open ended hooks and replaced them with closed rings that fit around the bars on my Yakima carrier. Pretty nice if I sa so myself.

 

I also went to Lowe's and bought some drwaer hardware that is purported to be stainless that the straps thread through, which serve double duty as hand holds,

 

Feel free to comment on any items, as if there are needed improvements, I want to make them before next month.

[Wayne Wells]

I think it is the momentary temptation type of impulsive theft that I want to stop. I've always been leery of just having ANYTHING just secured by the standard nylon webbing straps that are susceptible to a quick slash with a knife.

Same thing with the bike rack I bought. The straps that secure it look like standard, easily cut straps, but are actually vinyl encased high tensile steel. No knife is going to cut them off.

The guy driving a vehicle full of tools and anyone is just out of luck.

 

[Wayne Wells]

Before and after Pics

[0uopvm9p50xla]

Here's a suggestion for you to try on for size. I use them myself. Go to radio shack and get the portable motion detector alarms that hang on your doorknob. They are about $20. Most people use them for travel security. I activate mine and set it up inside the seat of my boat while I'm parked outside a remote motel location. If the boat moves it goes off. Nice loud siren and flashing light. Most folk will likely split and right quick. You just have to remember to grab it out of there before you drive off.

 

Nice piece of mind for me especially since I use ropes to secure my boats. 

[0uopvm9p50xla]

Hey Wayne 

I'm diggin the rod holder extensions. Gets the rods out of the way of the paddle stroke. Pretty sweet.

[0uopvm9p50xla]

The spray bottle.....of course. One of those things that would be so easy to overlook. Great idea!

[Wayne Wells]

Knife question.

What sort of knife do you all carry in the kayak, how do you mount it, and what is the eventuality that motivated you to buy/install the knife you carry in your boats?

 

I bought a kabar style knife, as all I have had in the past were fillet style knives and wanted something a little beefier. Maybe overkill, but curious as to others envisioned needs/experiences.

[Ross Hancock]

I used to carry a lightweight divers knife clipped to my PFD, but eventually realized it was silly. It now lives in the bottom of a deck bag, along with a fillet knife for preparing fish that I don't catch.  I take a folding saw for tunnels, but it can't be used in the park. I take a lot of stuff I never use, actually.

[0uopvm9p50xla]

Are you looking for something that you can use to cut the branches off your hand holds?.......I"M KIDDING!! come on, have a sense of humor.

 

Here is my tripping knife. Excellent weight and balance. Don't get the kydex sheathe BTW....the nylon sheath is far superior. If it is good enough for special forces (SEAL) it's good enough for me.

http://sogknives.com/store/M37.html

 

 

[vivian]

I fish and have found myself entangled (accidently of course) in fishing line. A knife comes in handy for this and many situations including slicing your own throat should a python attack you. LOL!  Since I am accident prone I don't buy a very expensive knife because I will drop it in the water and lose it. I have a folding knife that easily opens with one hand and it is attached to my PFD. It is never used for anything but emergencies and it is sharp and well oiled.  

[Swamp Hunter]

I have a lightweight skiff that I sometimes use down narrow trails in the swamp to carry supplies. I noticed any small protrusion will get hooked every time especially when I am pulling it. Its extremely aggravating to constantly get hung up on branches, vines and saplings.

Now I am not saying you will have any trouble in open water and the rounded edge may help. Im just saying I can relate to what Masterangler is saying (except the mango part). (wink)

[0uopvm9p50xla]

The seal pup is a sweetheart though isn't it Charles? I REALLY like mine. I also like the little pocket on the nylon sheathe. Just big enough for a bottle of Bens bug spray. I do most of my tripping in Canada and on the way back from a portage when the skeets have had a chance to fill your wake and are waiting for you the spray is nice to have on your person instead of waiting till you have portaged the boat and get back to your pack.

[Swamp Hunter]

 

 

I dont want to mention names but I once asked the leading Everglades python killer what I should do if I was being constricted?  He said I would probably cut myself using a knife. He suggested pouring alcohol (vodka or whiskey) in the mouth of the snake and it will release. Out of curiosity, I googled his advice just now at home and found this appears to be true. .http://www.anapsid.org/headless.html

 

Maybe carrying whiskey along with a knife will help your wife feel more at ease.

 

Another bit of advice from this link that may help   .

"To easily unwrap a snake from any person or object, you must start working from the tail end, unwrapping or uncoiling the body, working your way up towards the head. If you start at the head and try to work towards the tail, the snake will easily be able to resist. Even a large, strong python who is not thrilled with all the commotion and multiple hands on it can be unwound when you start from the tail."

 

 

I see pythons on a regular basis in the BCNP and Shark Valley. Im surprised more of them are not seen in the WW. The next real concern is the African Rock python. An Anaconda has been killed but they dont know if they are breeding.