Outfitting W Fishing Kayaks: Floatation, Accessories, Anchor

NEW:

Wayne T's outriggers and rowing fishing kayak, Florida

Motorized W Fishing Kayak - UK

Jeff McGovern
About The W - Kayak Review

Kayak Review by Jamie H -Wisconsin

Paul C.'s W Kayak - Connecticut

Jim P: Kayak Fisherman-WI and Florida

Andrew K: Oregon W kayak fly fisherman

Brandon's F2 (MA)

Gary's Outfitted W Kayak

W kayak review by professional boat designer

NEW:

Optional Side & Deck Mount Rod Holders

U.S. Pat #6871608

Rigging Your W Fishing Kayak

NEW ARTICLE: How to Avoid and Repair Scratches in Your Fishing Kayak

1. Accessories

You may want to fix different accessories to your W Fishing Kayak, such a rod holders, compass, fish finder, GPS etc. In any case do not use glue since the boat is made form Polyethylene that doesn't bond with anything in the long run.
If you use rivets, screws or bolts make sure that you're not making holes under the waterline or better - not even close to it.
For rivets it is recommended to drill holes of a slightly smaller diameter and force the rivet in. For example: for 3/16 rivets use a 11/64 drill bit.

1.1 Winter Fishing

Andrew K. winter outfitted W fishing kayak

Andrew K. Oregon Photo: Scott Floyd

Andrew outfitted his W kayak with a deck mount rod holder outside the cockpit, a spray 'apron' (cockpit cover), a seat, paddle holders, a weighed anchor system and extra pad eyes in front of the cockpit. More Info

1.2 Trolling Motor

Photo: Roxanne Davis, Connecticut		Rox D. outfitted her W Fishing Kayak with an electric trolling motor and a pair of rod holders mounted on top of the hulls' tips, at the stern. It's possible to mount an electric trolling motor on the side as well as in front of the cockpit - between the two hulls. The advantage of the latter configuration is that it makes it easy to install a simple, hands free, foot activated steering system.
		The illustration on the left shows a simple, do it yourself transom / external mount for a trolling motor made from a single wooden board. It can be attached the to W kayak spray deflector directly with bolts, and to the top side of the hulls with slightly bent steel L brackets.

1.3 Paddle Holders

Photo: Jeff MG, Florida
Paddle holder with WW paddle

addle holder with Wavewalk paddle

The picture on the right shows Gary's version of a paddle holder, that's attached to his W kayak with a hook. This enables its quick detachment / attachment.

Paddle holder in Jim's fishing kayak

Photo: Jim Purtell, Wisconsin / Florida

Here is a simple, easy and effective solution found by Jeff McGovern from Florida:
Jeff took two multi-use plastic hooks, drilled a hole in each one and secured them with two strap ties each to the two standard side eyelets that all W Kayak models come equipped with.
Note that this solution fits paddle shafts of different diameter.

Gary's paddle holder

Photo: Gary Rankel, Florida

On the left: Jim P created his own version of paddle holder from a wire hat hanger. The rubber coating allows the paddle to rest snugly to the kayak. If you want a tighter fit for the paddle you can easily bend the hook.

1.4 Gear boxes, fish tanks, bait tanks etc.

Plastic basket inside a fishing kayak's cockpit

24" wide stripping basket in the cockpit

Fishing kayak with battery of rod holders

Removable crate with 3 rod holders (JMG, FL)

Storage comartment in fishing kayak's cockpit

15" high plastic bin used as a fish tank

Your W fishing kayak offers over 10 cubic feet of inside storage in the cockpit and adjacent hull tips. All this space is dry and accessible to you when you're on the water. You are sure to find room for your favorite milk crate or fishing gear box inside the boat, and you can easily attach them behind the cockpit or in front of it - on top of the hull tips using the standard Nylon eyelets the kayak comes equipped with.

Generally, it is recommended to place heavy equipment such as fish tanks or electric batteries for a trolling motor at the bottom of the hulls where the weight won't create any balancing problems.

W fishing kayak outfitted with extra eyelets (Patrol Look)

W fishing kayak outfitted with extra eyelets (Patrol Look)

Extra eyelets (tie-downs) on hulls

Andrew's fishing kayak - front view

Andrew's idea for expanding storage space
Photo: Andrew Kumler, Oregon

1.5 Rod holders
You'll find it easy to outfit your W fishing kayak with additional rod holders of all types. When you cut holes for flush mount rod holders make sure you don't make the holes too big since that would not leave enough space for holes for the rivets or bolts that you need to use in order to fix the rod holder in its place.

1.5.1 Rod holders on top of the hulls (saltwater)
When you fish in saltwater it is advantageous to keep the reels dry. With the flush mounted rod holders that come standard with the W your reels are already higher above waterline than they are in a regular kayak, but you can put them even higher simply by fixing rod holders to a milk crate and attaching it on top of the hulls behind the cockpit, as seen in this photo, courtesy of Jeff M. from Florida.

The photo on the right shows a milk crate on top of the hulls in the back of an F2 model. Note that the bungee holds the net's handle inserted into the flush mount rod holder.
Note: The owner of this kayak is left handed.

W fishing kayak rigged with rod holders and milk crate

Note: Wavewalk offers to outfit your W fishing kayak with optional deck mount RAM rod holders

1.6 Extra eyelets (tie-downs)
It's easy to rivet extra eyelets (tie-downs) to your W fishing kayak. Never do it below waterline or even close to waterline.

1.7 Anchor
You can outfit your W fishing kayak with any type of anchor that's commonly used with canoes, kayaks, dinghies and other small boats.
The simplest way to drop the anchor is between two hull tips.

You can also outfit your W Fishing kayak with a sliding anchor trolley system on its sides shown in these photos, for a higher level of control
Anchor system for fishing kayak

Anchor trolley system for kayak
(Jeff McGovern, FL)

kayak anchor system

Andrew's weighted anchor
Photo: Andrew Kumler, OR

F2 with anchor trolley system

Anchor trolley system for fishing kayak

Close-up of Jeff's anchor trolley

Gary's anchor system

Gary's folding anchor system.
Photo: Gary Rankel, FL

Jeff in Mosquito lagoon - FL

View of Jeff's W kayak with anchor trolley.
Mosquito lagoon, FL

1.8 Coolers
Big coolers fit on top of the saddle inside the cockpit, or attached on top of the hulls behind or in front of the cockpit.
Slim coolers can fit in the bottom of a hull, for example the RUBBERMAID SLIM COOLER 1801 model. (Thanks Jo M., FL for the info)

1.9 Plastic Chair & Seats

Plastic seat on top of W kayak saddle
Photo: Andrew Kumler, OR

Fran C fishing kayak seat

Fran's canoe seat on top of W saddle
Photo: Fran Chlebus, MA

The W Fishing Kayak's ergonomic saddle offers excellent comfort in all positions because the weight of your upper body is supported by your legs.
However, in case you want to experiment with the comfort of a floating armchair on flat water you can either insert an Adirondack chair into the back of its cockpit (no attachment needed) or attach a plastic seat to its saddle top.
Please don't try this before you're fully used to paddling and balancing your new kayak.

Extra comfort in fishing kayak

Adirondack chair inside the cockpit - no attachment required (for flat water only)

Kayak seat
Photo: Andrew Kumler, OR

1.9.1 Additional foam over the spray deflector

Thick foam noodles in back of the cockpit Photo: Jeff, FL

We ship every boat with top floatation: Foam pool noodles that fit on the spray deflector's rim.
You can easily add foam to the rear part of the spray deflector in case you want to sit in the back of the cockpit and lean backwards:
Just cut a hollow pool noodle and stick it over the spray deflector or over another, thinner pool noodle that's already in place - as shown in the photo to the left.

2. Transportation

2.1 Pulling Mat
If you need to carry your W over long distances you can attach a rope or a strap to it and simply pull it behind you. However, you should not do it over abrasive surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. For such surfaces you may want to consider a trolley, or a simpler and more effective solution that we'll call 'Pulling Mat'. Besides the fact that it is cheaper than a trolley and easier to use, the pulling mat can be easily stored onboard your W - unlike a trolley.

The two photos below show Gary's simple and effective pulling mat.

Photos: Gary Rankel, Florida

3. Floatation

3.1 Standard Internal Floatation

We offer to provide the W Fishing Kayak with marine grade, closed cell urethane foam floatation in the tip of its four extremities at no additional cost. This is just enough to keep the boat from sinking if it's filled with water and adds about 3 lb to its weight.

3.2 Standard Top Floatation
In addition, we offer to outfit your W fishing kayak with removable, foam 'noodles' floatation attached to the top of its cockpit at no extra cost.
This type of floatation can help preventing water from getting into the cockpit in case the kayak is laying on its side after capsizing.
It can also help preventing the kayak from overturning in extreme cases.

3.3 Custom Floatation - Do it Yourself
This section is offered as an information service but it doesn't necessarily mean that you need to consider outfitting your W fishing kayak with custom floatation.

Before determining if you need custom floatation at all, what kind of solution and how much of it to use it's advised to consider advantages vs. disadvantages of each solution - see list below.
Floatation can add to the boat's weight. Too much of it can make your boat more difficult to paddle, carry and load on top of your car.
Other considerations such as cost and durability may be important too.

Materials:

Permanent Floatation
1.   Cast, fixed floatation from Low Density, Expanding Marine Urethane Foam such as http://www.shopmaninc.com/foam.html
When you cast the mixture use small quantities (maximum one cup per casting) to prevent the expanding foam from distorting the hulls.

Removable Floatation
2.   Cutting Removable Floatation modules from Closed Cell Foam. This type of floatation is very popular among kayakers and canoeists. Be sure that the foam blocks are attached to your boat in a way that will prevent them from floating away in case the boat is filled with water or overturned. Do not use glue for this purpose, as Polyethylene doesn't bond well with anything. Using hardware is the best solution. http://www.merryweather.com/

3.   Cutting Removable floatation modules from Styrofoam. This type of floatation has the advantage of being inexpensive but Styrofoam can easily break and therefore we don't recommend it for side floatation. Be sure that the foam blocks are attached to your boat in a way that will prevent them from floating away in case the boat is filled with water or overturned. Do not use glue for this purpose, as Polyethylene doesn't bond well with anything. Using hardware is the best solution.
You can find Styrofoam boards in home improvement stores. You can find thicker Styrofoam boards that require less gluing in stores for building materials. To glue Styrofoam boards to each other the best adhesive is PL polyurethane Premium Construction Adhesive. Do not use this adhesive to glue the Styrofoam to your boat since it doesn't stick to Polyethylene (no adhesive does).
You can cut the Styrofoam with a wood or metal saw, or with a large kitchen knife. You can sand it with regular sandpaper of different grits. Sand gently so as not to damage the surface, and don't use a sanding machine.
You can paint the floatation modules with Latex based paint for the exterior.
Solvent based paint will melt the Styrofoam.
8 feet long Styrofoam planks are sold in home improvement stores.
Thicker Styrofoam planks are sold in stores specializing in building insulation materials.

4. Heat Sealed Inflatable Floatation Bags. This is a solution that's popular among whitewater kayakers and canoeists since it's lightweight. You can cut the fabric and use a hot iron for sealing. This vendor is offering to send the "How-To" information together with the fabric: http://www.seattlefabrics.com/nylons.html

5.   Foam Noodles. You can attach these to the boat's sides, above waterline - preferably as high as possible.
How to attach? -
The best way to attach floatation modules to your boat is to rivet plastic eye straps to the hulls and attach the modules with a rope. Be sure not to place rivets or bolts below waterline since water might get into the boat from the hole and even through the rivet itself (Think about this next time you see rivets in a kayak...)

Where to attach the floatation?
There are several possible places:

1.    Inside the hulls' tips.

Advantage- Easy to attach
Disadvantages- bulkheads in kayaks can take storage space and they are not effective in preventing the boat from overturning. Also, unlike side floatation that helps in keeping water from getting inside the cockpit if the boat is laying on its side, internal floatation is useless for that matter.

2. Around the spray deflector's rim: This type of floatation is offered free of charge with all our kayak models.

Advantage - Effective and easy to implement.
Disadvantage - Wide noodles might interfere with your paddling.

Model F6 fishing kayak with top floatation

Model F6 with top foam noodles

3. On both sides of the hull - above waterline ('Side Floatation').

Advantages- Best solution for minimizing the risk of capsizing and of the boat overturning - Even little side floatation can help preventing water from getting inside the cockpit in case the boat is laying on its side.
Disadvantages- If the floatation module is too wide it might interfere with the paddle's movement. If it's too low it might reach waterline and generate additional drag.

Side floatation modules

4. Sailing Rigs

You can sail your W fishing kayak using many types of small sailing rigs, some of which are commercially available as kits. You can also make your own sailing rig. -Contact us for additional information.

For comments, additional information and advice email: Wavewalk

Craig's Fly Fishing Kayak
Fly rod holder - fly fishing kayak

Craig rigged an interesting fly holder and paddle holders. Read more

John's Wheel Solution
whell trolley for W fishing kayak

One wheel trolley for difficult terrain.
Read More

Dan's Angling Kayak:
Fully rigged fishing kayak

Note the all-purpose front bucket.
Read more

Ben's Fly Fishing W Kayak:
interior of W fly fishing kayak cockpit

Note the foam modules that Ben made for both the full size paddle and the smaller paddle he uses for small adjustments, as well as the rug on the mini-deck (saddle top) Read more

Outrigger Rowing W Fishing Kayak

Orlando, Florida: Wayne rigged his W fishing kayak with DIY outriggers and oars- Read more

Instant Release Anchor System
Quick release anchor system for big fish

Brandon's instant release anchor system for fishing big ones is a clever adaptation from a similar, bigger system used by commercial fishermen.
Read More on the blog...

DIY PADDLE HOLDERS FOR THE 2008 MODELS, BY JEFF McGOVERN:
paddle holder for fishing kayak

Jeff turned a clothes hanger for a bathroom door into a paddle holder, and this is how it's attached to the cockpit rim:
DIY paddle holder for fishing kayak

Just a plastic tie-strap... Simply brilliant.

Jo's camo fishing kayak -

Jo recently camouflaged his W kayak and now you can hardly see it...

Hunting Kayak - Scott Johnson, MN

Scott's Deer Bow-Hunting W Kayak.
Note the rod holders' role as quiver.
Photo: Scott Johnson, MN

Motorized W Fishing Kayak with outriggers -
Jim McGilvray, Norfolk, UK

Snow falling over Jamie's fishing kayak

-"After that I took two longer trips of a few hours each, both while it was snowing"...
Jamie H, WI - See new kayak review

GPS is W fishing kayak cockpit

Paul C from CT added a RAM ball mount for a Lowrance H2O GPS unit -"Handy for when it gets dark or foggy." -See boat review

Jim's fishing kayak cockpit - top view

Jim P secured his cup holder by its handle to the cockpit rim, and he used Velcro to attach itand his waterproof radio to the saddle. -See boat review

Andrew's cockpit cover. A useful solution for long camping trips can can be turned into a half-skirt ('apron') for extra protection in cold and windy weather.
Photo: Andrew Kumler, OR
Jeff's W fishing kayak with 3 rod holders

Jeff's W fishing kayak with 3 rod holders

Jeff's 'Ole Yellow' 'W Fishing Machine'

Jo's W in Key West, FL Photo: Jo Mares
Note cooler at the bottom of the left hull.
-Click image to read story and boat review

Close up of Gary's F6 cockpit

Gary's F6 cockpit Photo: Gary Rankel, FL

F2 W fishing kayak - St Augustine, FL

Front view of F2 with W paddle - FL

Spotted Sea Trout in kayak cockpit

Inside view of Jeff's W Kayak cockpit with a Spotted Sea Trout

W fishing kayak with custom, 10 ft long Wavewalk paddle

Gary's F6 - left side with paddle holders

Gary's F6 - left side with paddle attached for long trips Photos: Gary Rankel, FL

Jim's fishing kayak cockpit - top view

Jim's F2 saddle is outfitted with a cup holder. Jim secured his cup holder by its handle to the cockpit rim, and he used Velcro to attach its bottom to the saddle.
The radio is waterproof and attached to the saddle with Velcro, which is a convenient solution but not a long lasting one.

Fishing kayak - the product

W Fishing Kayak Model F4 (Green)