Custom BTB Kayak Setup with Lights/Sonar/GPS/Live Well

[@searey29]

Love the dash mount for your accessories. you should patent that and go into production.

[@crude4u1948]

Wow! That's a lot of stuff. Lol. I just bought myself a two year old Ascend 128T and to use your turn of a phrase, it's a beast. Right at 100 pounds naked. Thanks for sharing your mods. I'm in the process of designing what I want to do to mine and your ideas really helped, mostly, "I over did it" stuff makes me think that I need to use my kayak for a while before I start adding a lot of stuff to it. Also thinking now that I need to buy a jet ski trailer to haul it instead of the T-bar for my hitch. Thanks again.

[@dixee6498]

Kudos on that DIY fish finder housing. I subscribed simply for that reason. Keep up the great work

[@effyoo6081]

one of the tightest setups ive ever seen. very nice rig. tight lines

[@gfisher7765]

Thanks for this video. Excellent work on the console. I picked up an ugly but sound earlier version of the X-Factor today for $70. Has an anchor trolley but no seat. I am looking forward to fishing in addition to using all the room for crab traps or camping gear.

[@peytonmarion5018]

I have a hefty kayak too, and I modified a trolling motor that mounts on the back that I can steer and control from the cockpit, I recommend it!!!

[@zoffinger]

That's pretty darn cool.

[@jacobwesleyashley6086]

zoffinger s

[@BigSharkTackle]

Thanks! Like your videos!

[@goubertoutdoors1991]

zoffinger hey come cheak out my KZbin chanle like an subscribe an ill return the favor love your videos

[@crusin955]

Awesome setup! I'm working on setting mine up as we speak. You just gave me so many good ideas. Thanks my friend!!!

[@ratdog3055]

Nice yak. I really like how you did the aft cooler!

[@TheVirginiaStew]

Totally awesome dash.....awesome cooler, I love working with fiberglass sheets and resin....great job awesome kayak...

[@DENMONKEY]

outstanding that you came up with a better design than the xwing option. Piss poor that the manufacturer coudln't work something out to allow access to the hatch due to that being a massive negative. good job

[@guarddogactual6100]

Really like your custom mount system. Thanks for sharing. Great work!

[@BigSharkTackle]

Thanks!

[@michaelschnippel6926]

Well done...nice job rigging, especially the custom work!

[@Nobodyzchannel]

No such thing as overkill! Love it man

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

Here is a cool tip... Get a 42" Body/boogie board and drag it along with you. you can strap extra gear onto it or use it as a table along side of your yak, you can use it to lay your legs on when you sit sideways, use it as a floating camera mount... They are very stable when you strap them onto the side of your yak. I mount mine with a dog leash through 2 holes along the side of it about 18" apart.

[@davidjeromedawson]

Very nice cockpit, but an awesome dash/ workstation. You should definitely see if you could market that.

[@rbljackson]

two great ideas there with the console and built in LED's. I also love the cooler mod on the back!! great design. My only apprehension would be the entering and leaving the surf zone. One tip over might ruin the console if the go pro mount was installed. Im guessing you store that in a hatch or something (along with the side mount camera pvc) until BTB.

[@BigSharkTackle]

I just added the camera mount on top of the console. I had not thought about the flipping issue, but if I went over in shallower water that could mess things up a bit. I will have to keep that in mind. Thanks for the thought. I did store it in the hatch on the way in and out last trip.

[@jtsoutdoorsandmore8136]

Damn bro , that's one hell of a boat . awesome !!!!

[@hogsna]

Really great work and thought put into everything.

[@Aztecorum16]

great set up man and awesome ingenuity!!!

[@andystewart7436]

Love the cooler .. well worth the effort

[@bomcdaniel3005]

Dude that was some really good thinking

[@Justin-zt4jq]

Have those same crates. Thinks for the idea of where to set my kayak on

[@ernestmonroe8728]

like the cockpit idea that was pretty neat

[@ashleylrichards]

S

[@fisheyeguy]

This thing is so slick! Very nice mods!

[@BigSharkTackle]

Thanks. I am happy with it. It has served me well so far! Thanks for watching!

[@kenni411]

pretty sick , you got alot of work in there ... nice job looks awesome !!!!

[@YAKMANONT]

Nice job ..looks good I'm a Jackson Cuda LT guy but I must say your yak is nice

[@monti409]

Get a patent first on all these mod's, do not let others incorporate your ideas and reap the profits. i like your sonar/lights setup.. great vid keep them coming.

[@Macbrand]

Really impressive setup.

[@shaung5591]

Awesome setup dude

[@tomharrell1954]

Cooler work is A number one. Darn nice! If you have any photos or vids of construction post them. Would be nice to see how you did it.

[@BigSharkTackle]

+Thomas Harrell Don't have much about construction, but if I did it would be a really long video. It was a lot of work and took way more steps than I thought it would.

[@gatekeeper88]

+BigSharkTackle Hi mate, I'm keen to try and replicate your sonar/gps setup and was wondering if you would be willing to write down what and how you did it to point me in the right direction? Will PM you email if I can, not sure how it works here on youtube hehe

[@gatekeeper88]

+BigSharkTackle Message sent.. think I did it right :)

[@BigSharkTackle]

+gatekeeper88 Well, I didn't know you could PM on KZbin. I couldn't find where to get a message, so I will try to respond here. The dashboard was a pretty complex build with a number of steps. It would be hard to describe a lot of it in words. I did take some pics of the build as I recall. Don't know if I still have them. When I get some time perhaps I can do a video on that if I can come up with some of them. Anyway, let me give you what I can here. The fiberglass sheets were G10 fiberglass sheets(3/16" I believe). You can buy them in small pieces. One small sheet will probably do you on that. I epoxied them together and then reinforced with a bit of fiberglass cloth in the corners. Be sure to sand down the corners because it can be as sharp as a knife and cut you when you least expect it.The wood was just some scrap pine I had that I cut down with the table saw. Balsa would be a lot lighter and better. The wood is really there just to have a structure for the fiberglass to go onto. In my case it added weight that really wasn't necessary. Balsa would solve that problem. I got some flat aluminum for the plate to connect it to the track system. I put some stainless screws into it that extended slightly wider than the wood structure and then wrapped fiberglass cloth around it all and filled in the gaps with resin. This created a super strong connection between wood and the aluminum. I used soda straws on the underside for conduits under the fiberglass for the wiring. A lot of liquid electrical tape to seal up electrical connections. Waterproof electrical connectors would be another option. You can find them at an irrigation supply store. I used two trailer light connectors to connect to the wiring in the kayak. You really need to use dielectric grease to keep them from corroding. I was lax in that and had to do them over when they corroded. It would also be a good idea to find a way to keep the connections from just laying in the bottom of the yak where they will be sitting in water at times. Hopefully this helps a bit. I figure it is the best I can do at the moment.

[@gatekeeper88]

+BigSharkTackle thats awesome mate cheers!. how did you mould in those 2 outboard led lights?. the ones that point to the water?. also the fibreglass sheet that makes up the actual weather guard did you mould that somehow or make a frame or something to get that shape?

[@killerbeans86]

Nice setup overall... but that dashboard! Now I'm jealous.

[@TiaGo2k6]

Freakin' awesome setup!

[@RUDYAKAHALIBU77]

Love the mods cooler most of all.

[@anthonyjannotti1841]

Is it at all possible for you to do a follow up video that shows how you made that cooler and what materials you used?? I so want to do that to mine! That is sick!

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

You have one of the best setups I've seen but it looks a little top heavy. You may want to consider adding outrigger(s) to it. I like your electronics rack, I may do the same but I plan on using 1 1/2" PVC and heating it up to flatten out the top side for mounting my gear and use the tubing to run the wires. Nice Job, Really, think about the stabilization factor. I rolled my 13' Wildy kayak and it cost me over a grand in lost and damaged equipment. I have a 19.5' Handmade touring kayak that I have yet to tour with, Used it on a couple lakes here locally and the rudder is a god send!

[@BigSharkTackle]

+phartattack Thanks for the comments. I haven't noticed any stability issues. The cooler is pretty light weight up top. Most of the weight is in the contents which stay on the bottom, hence lower. The dashboard adds some weight up top, but not enough to be a problem. Whenever I think about investing in a high dollar rod/reel I think about rolling and then I think that I am happier with a cheapo rod and reel and the piece of mind knowing I am not going to cry all the way home the next time I flip. Sorry to hear about your mishap. I bet that was a frustrating feeling.

[@vitorodriguez9523]

BigSharkTackle do u still have this kayak

[@BigSharkTackle]

Haven't ever turned over except going in and out of the surf when everything is secured. It is a very stable kayak.

[@jobloggs7215]

Great custom job. Thanks for publishing. Lots of work. That cooler would be a good factory option. Was checking out the recess in the kayak wondering what they were based on, like did they make it that shape to suit a specificbrand of cooler? I recently had my first trip on a 4.2m X-13 and really enjoyed the big unit, with the X factor coming to mind with more storage space be it at the expense of a more drag. Local shop was bombing out their stock pre Winter so done deal. I have a little experience with plastic welding HDPE so have a few ideas to try as it gets some use Would appreciate your advice re, Was thinking about mounting fish finder/sun shade on the front half of live well lid (via a sheet of HDPE). Couple of adjustable clip out rod holders mounted on the side. Is there an advantage to having the gear up higher? Did you consider turning the front storage into a separate cooler/fish storage?I have ordered an OEX tank kit for factory livewell and X-tank to experiment with, maybe place in storage slot next to seat. They are a cheap kayak for the money in Australia however there is no local support for any of the Malibu options so having to source from US. Anyway, a good Winter project.

[@chrisking7977]

Love your work!

[@BigSharkTackle]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@iwantosavemoney]

I have to say that is a bad ass alternative to the x-wing I was looking at getting one. but, I have to say I like your set up a lot better you might want to paten it and make some money sir.

[@bulldog6728]

You can buy a small solar panel to charges your batter if need to.

[@shroudedunity]

cellphone screen protector for your screen. had the exact same issue. so i put a screen protector on it. now its a little easier to clean and the sand cant scratch the screen.

[@stevemcrae7216]

Great ideas, thanks for sharing.

[@BigSharkTackle]

Thanks for watching!

[@aggey97]

Hey man great video, I was just thinking of buying a fishing kayak and I was looking at the Malibu stealth 14, I was just wondering what your thoughts where on this kayak and if you could please give me some feedback, cheers 👍🏼

[@captainchippy8559]

very sweet setup

[@Mahigeer1]

Thanks for the video. I am wondering if the very well made console would interfere with fighting a good size fish?

[@BigSharkTackle]

+Hashem N Well, I have not had a problem with that since I usually keep the rod tip high. The only negative I have come up with is on the paddling. I have to push it all the way forward to paddle with a strong stroke. If I am really trying to dig when paddling I still can hit it on occasion. Other than that it has not been a problem.

[@Mahigeer1]

+BigSharkTackle Good know. Well done.

[@VentureTube]

Awesome video! I like the cooler idea but I'm sure that was a lot of work. Why didn't you go with a fish cooler bag?

[@BigSharkTackle]

I considered the bag, but I figured this would be more accessible for cokes, bait, etc. It would however be lighter. I think a bag would be a good choice as well.

[@jodynolan5569]

great job man

[@romsam4234]

Awesome job!

[@Midwestfishingbros]

amazing kayak!!

[@BigSharkTackle]

Thanks for the good word. Been spending too much time rigging. Time to start spending more time fishing!

[@DEVIN20021]

Love your yack

[@pucho513]

awesome work👍

[@kevinstorm2167]

I think the German's made a movie about your kayak, it was refered to as "Das Barge," lol I bet that thing is hard to paddle. Watch some of the Australians and South African set video's there boats are designed to get you there with speed and stealth. That looks like a some sort of Delta barge. What are you going to do if you ever roll over?

[@loudemartino2825]

awesome video

[@BigSharkTackle]

Thanks for watching!

[@0109antonio]

Great job

[@tomwoodward9037]

I am 13 and whant to get started with this ill be fishing for pike and trout any advise before i splash the cash??

[@MrVictor8979]

Badass yack..👌👍

[@superdonkey9354]

Do you need a licence for this? Thanks. Subscribed btw.

[@BigSharkTackle]

SuperDonkey Not sure what kind of license you would be referring to, but as far as I know no license required. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@CiscoG]

What's the size of the battery - how many amps does your battery run to power all of the electronics?

[@BigSharkTackle]

Francisco Cabral The battery I have is a 12V - 12Vh battery. I figured I would need a lot of juice, so I got the big momma. I might have gone overboard. I actually don't use the live well too much which would use the most power. I don't recall running out of juice just using the electronics even after fishing 2 or 3 days. I am tempted to get a smaller battery since the one I have is very heavy. Two small ones I could swap out would have been better. Live and learn.

[@BigSharkTackle]

***** Sorry I did not get back to you sooner. My battery weighs in at 8.2 lbs.

[@WillDaBeastStudios]

Thats bad ass!

[@bugzziee]

who makes it and how long is it and how do u tow it to the water? thanx

[@BigSharkTackle]

s buchanan It is an X-Factor made by Malibu kayaks. It is 14' 4" as I recall. I have a trailer that I made that I use to haul it around. My old kayak I put on top of my truck, but this one is a bit big and heavy for that.

[@crude4u1948]

What does BTB stand for?

[@KevinP32270]

nice job.

[@eternitytran]

How much did everything together cost you?

[@BigSharkTackle]

Well, I just figured it up in my mind and on my calculator and I estimate between $1850 and $2000 for everything that you see in the video. The kayak and seat ran me about $950. The rest would be the mods.

[@CiscoG]

How much does your current battery weigh?

[@BigSharkTackle]

Francisco Cabral It is a beast of a battery. 8.2 lbs.

[@evoryann]

wow @zoffinger you mean pretty dsrm aaesome, I love this set up. I hope i can bully something just like this some day it's perfect to me.

[@goubertoutdoors1991]

Ryan Alaniz hey come cheak out my KZbin chanle like an subscribe an ill return the favor

[@robbiesharp311]

I like quik videos.

[@illduitmyself]

the cooler part. I was like.........I need a kayak...

[@CaiqueCosteiro]

Muito bom

[@ryguy11794]

what size battery?

[@sceneseekers1000]

Kick ass

[@christopherjones9436]

Are you interested in selling your kayak with gps, and sonar and other modifications?

[@hunterbruggman9513]

Sweet yack

[@Matt-ve5jj]

400th subscriber

[@BigSharkTackle]

Thanks! Appreciate it. I hope to have lots more videos coming this season!

[@DaebakMonkey]

DAMN.

[@cjbarlow61]

Wow

[@jacobchristen9446]

You should make me one!!

[@sosocrazy1234]

nice~!

[@luizcaju1]

Essa trava central e um perigo,jamais faca isso,limita a movimentacao no casco e pode causar acidentes terriveis em um emborcamento do caiaque.

[@BigSharkTackle]

I have never flipped over in this kayak, so it has not been a problem. Nunca me he volteado en este barcito asi que no a sido ningun problema.

[@Jordan-fr3zn]

I admire your work 🐋💥✈️💖🔥💦

[@waynehensley4857]

How much do you charge. Lol

[@scribbles8058]

you told them where you store your wallet!!? seriously...

[@charliehustlehard3921]

patent it..sell it!

[@funnyworkvideos8482]

ALL THAT MONEY YOU SPEND ON THAT KAYAK YOU SHOUD HAVE A NICE BASS BOAT that is more safety then that lol i dont know where is people brain !!!

[@BrittWayneSmith]

wouldn't want to take a bassboat beyond the breakers.

[@peytonmarion5018]

I have a hefty kayak too, and I modified a trolling motor that mounts on the back that I can steer and control from the cockpit, I recommend it!!!

[@BigSharkTackle]

+Peyton Marion That would be awesome, but I would feel like I was cheating.

[@peytonmarion5018]

+BigSharkTackle Yes... But I am a smaller kid and by the time I get to where I want to fish I don't feel like it and don't want to return home! But I could totally understand that, it's great exercise!!

[@danoulewis]

Thanks for sharing, great ideas...

[@BigSharkTackle]

Thanks. Now that I am done I don't have a project to work on. I am being tempted to get a new yak and do it all over again, but even better. Probably going to wait a while on that though.

[@peytonmarion5018]

I have a hefty kayak too, and I modified a trolling motor that mounts on the back that I can steer and control from the cockpit, I recommend it!!!