Sources for Accessories

[bqbowden]

I have been looking here for over a month getting ideas for my first boat and have started my Laker 13. My question is, where can I get some of the accessroeis I have seen on some of the boats here? Hairymick's boat is set up similiar to what I want to do. So, where can I get (or build) the pole holders, the tie down straps and other items I may want to make my boat easy to fish from?

I love the way Hairrymick used a plastic container in the back to carry gear and I want to do the same thing. Hairymick, do you have your compartment set so you can take it our? From an earlier thread, it looks like that was how you built yours and I think I have a good idea how to do it.

Oh, any ideas on where to get a decent double paddle without spending a lot?

Thanks for all the great ideas I have seen so far. I know once I build my boat, my fiance' will want one too ...

Barry

[jem]

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/ca ... /index.htm

Rod holders you can get from Cabella's.

[hairymick]

G'day Barry,


Thanks mate.

OK, I will try to post some links to what I use and where I get the stuff.

I like this rod holder

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... 4887&Nty=1

and mount it in this flush mount

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... &noImage=0

These are what I use in the fore-deck and mount about directly above my ankle for trolling. I angle them forward and up and out at about 45 degrees. They don't interfere with my paddle stroke too much like this.

I use 3 of something like this behind the cockpit.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... hasJS=true

Tie down straps, are 1/4" elastic shock cord like this

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/line/shock/index.htm

Held in place with 1" wide webbing

These are the foot-braces I like. I reckon they are the best I have ever used

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/ca ... /index.htm

Seat back band is just a basic sit on top kayak commercial model. Get the best one you can afford. (very important to be comfortable.)

Carry handles I use are just a piece of 5/8 dowel cut 4" long with a hole in the middle with some 1/4" rope.




The tub is just a plastic thing I bought from a Chinese import store (about $4.00) I cut the hatch to fit it and then built up the coaming similar to the way I build my cock pit coamings. original intent was to put a sealing lid on it also but i have just never bothered. The tub lifts out to allow acces to the hatch and it is just held in place by gravity.

It works well for both Robin and I and I will be building a similar feature into all future kayaks I build.

re the paddle, as many blokes who have a paddle will give you as many different versions of what is best. best to try several to find what type you like best. Generally speaking, you only get what you pay for. There are free plans available to build your own and from what I have heard, they are fine paddles. Try a google search for Free paddle Plans. Shaft needs to be around 1 1/8" diametre, and length and blade type is up to you.

Mate, these are great little boats and I am certain that once your fiance paddles yours she will want one too.

[bqbowden]

Mick,

Thanks for the links. I do have another question for you. Do I want foot rests and can I add these later or am I better to put them in before I finish my kayak?

I saw where you put a flat bottom in for a seat. I think it will make things a lot more comfortable and want to put in in mine. However, I also have seen a link for seat in a rowboat and was wondering if this might not work better. In stead of a solid peice, it was two boards seperated long ways in order to make room for a person's "tail bone" while rowing. While I do understand you would be sitting still in a kayak, I wondered if doing somthing similiar would make the seat any more comfortable? Here is whre I found this radical idea for a seat ...

http://personal.eunet.fi/pp/gsahv/dinghy1/simboii.htm
(Original idea)
http://www.instructables.com/id/Constru ... ghies-Sma/
(the instructable where I first came across this little boat)

[jem]

Interesting. Gives me some ideas.

[hairymick]

G'day Barry,

It is much easier to fit the foot braces BEFORE you put the decks on.

I am 6' tall and the position of the front bulkhead / temp frame is very close to the right position for me for the foot-braces. If I build another laker, I will install a permanent ply foot brace where the temp frame goes.

I like the seat arangement in that little row boat. It has given me a couple of ideas too. Thank you.

I sit a piece of high density foam on top of my seat and it makes it very comfortable. Front of the seat neets to be about 1 1/2" higher than the back and the whole seat needs to be kept low in this boat for optimum stability.

I have been playing with methods to laminate a more shaped seat but don't have anything worth posting yet.

[bqbowden]

Mick & Matt,

The rowboat you posted the picture of was going to be my first boat build, but when I found the Laker, I changed my mind.

For my seat, I think I am going to try 1 or 2 different options before making a permanent decision as to what I want. I also think I have some other ideas for my rod holders and will share them once I get that far in my build.

I am starting a journal and will post my progress (and pictures) once I get a little bit along.

Barry

[Kayak Jack]

A friend of mine laminated (contact cement) about 5 layers of 3/8" closed cell foam (Wal-Mart sleeping pad). He then hollowed it out to fit his posterior.

A custom fit will be MUCH more comfortable over an extended time because more bearing surface area computes into lower pressure on any point. Less dead nerves and loss of circulation.

If you want the seat to tilt forward or backward, etc. - trim the bottom or add tot he bottom. Easy. You can have the two points of your ilium (butt bones) no more than a 1/16" off the floor of your boat, or raise it up several inches.

You could even have this as a loose pad, fastened in with a couple of hook & loop patches, and use it in several boats. Use one patch of hook and another of loop glued (contact cement) to the bottom of the pad. That way, you will use an even amount of hook and loop over several installations. If you're traveling light, it makes a good camp seat too, leaning up against a tree, rock, or log.