Kayak DIY, Outriggers, Stabilizers, Raised Seat, Fishing Kayak, Kayak Fishing. Best Kayak Mods

Kayak Modifications, Trolling Motor, Raised Seat, Rod Holders, Sound Deadening, Lift Handle, Outriggers, Stabilizers, Best Kayak Modifications Ever

[@MasterK9Trainer]

I've seen a few good builds, but you boat is truly a do it yourself project. I like that you incorporated your own ideas and you made everything with hardware store supplies rather than just purchasing a whole bunch of kayak kits and boating supplies. Your kayak is a truly customized craft. The installation of foam mats is a nice upgrade. They look really good. I thought they were part of the boat. I think it would make even a cheap kayak look better. Creative solutions and ideas are always better. And I am sure you saved a lot of money, but had fun with it.

[@raleighthomas3079]

This is the slickest, most durable setup I have ever seen as a DIY project. Lots of excellent ideas like your seat mounts, padding mats and the standup cord and handle!

[@bobcary7780]

Thank you .. necessity is the reason for invention or something like that

[@jasonyannuccelli2499]

Great job. Increased satisfaction from DIY rather than buying ready made 👍

[@barrymcghee1]

Your trolling motor setup is probably the best I have seen on KZbin. Great job!

[@wesspence]

Yer the man! Awesome stuff. Thanks for letting us in.

[@marydaley7862]

Thanks for all the great tips , Bob.

[@whatwasithinking8159]

Thank you so much for the outrigger ideas! I have a Pelican Catch 120 which is supposed to be pretty stable, but I still have a fear of tipping it. I like this idea very much!

[@gumpforrest6877]

Bobby, this is a great informative video. Well done! I am currently modding my 12' tandem yak for fishing. Wish me luck! ToG

[@jeffcarr2265]

I have an Ascend 128 T and I like some of your ideas , thankyou for sharing.

[@thomasbrustad5596]

Outstanding build! You have given me some ideas!

[@cartsquads47]

Great video man, I love your setup.

[@partner348]

I originally had my trolling motor rigged on the side like this, but my kayak tracked on a skew. So, I rigged it onto the rear with a homemade universal joint attached to the end of the steering handle with a pvc extension attached to that that extends to the seat that allows me to turn the motor with a push pull on the pvc extension as well as the capability to control the on/off/speed control by twisting the extension.

[@jackwilliams8776]

Probably the best outrigger mod I’ve found. I’m thinking of adapting it for a canoe.

[@The_Evergreen_Outdoorsman]

Great video ive been looking to build my own kayak and this has given me tons of ideas! keep up the great work, i also subscribed!

[@vinmor7082]

Thanks for sharing, regards from Italy.

[@gabrielfranco245]

Bob very impressive set up.love your mods.👍🚤

[@RogerDiotte]

Nice, good man! Great ingenuity and keeps my mind working for ideas!

[@everdaydetectorist]

Good video my friend! Very informative! Subscribed!

[@JohnDoe-jc3cl]

Thanks for your time and sharing ideas.

[@tgs989]

Great video-lots of Great ideas & Thanks for sharing, - Tim in MI

[@contagiousreligion]

Super sweet rig!

[@Cgconst1]

Excellent mods, great video. Thank you.

[@islandvibez]

Reminds me of a Bangka. Many boat designs in the Pacific are equipped with these floaters or outriggers. They call them Proas in remote Oceania, which usually has a single outrigger.

[@pepepepert]

I like the foam mat idea. I may do that to my old town vapor. It is a sit inside and find that there is all kinds of noise from the bottom.

[@mikelundrigan2285]

Like some of your ideas and will use for my canoe! Thanks!

[@richardobrien399]

Genius ideas! And on the cheap!

[@dmartinnj]

Ahhhh very nice... Been wanting a kayak but was very leery of tipping one over... I love what you've done. I just might get a kayak after all :) Thank you so much for sharing :)

[@bobcary7780]

this kayak and most that are 30 inches wide won't tip unless you raise the seat which changes the center of gravity .. I didn't need the outriggers but it makes it more stable when standing for sure

[@larryfisher5796]

thank you Wow you gave me some good ideas 😊👍👍👍👍👍

[@dl4087]

Great job buddy!

[@kennethlopez9436]

Thank you for sharing sir, very nice set up 👍👍👍

[@k9er233]

Good informative video. Thanks.

[@markhanson6880]

Great DIY!

[@motleypixel]

Brilliant sir, do you have more details on the lobster float build? What type/brand/model construction adhesive foam? Just any more detail or pictures of that build?

[@bobcary7780]

Several have asked what kayak this is .. it's an Ascend FS12T. They make a 12'8" model but I opted for the 12 foot. Bass Pro sells them. You might find one used on Craigs. Empty the kayak weighs 78 pounds. I use a wheel carrier to get it to & from the water given the added weight of the battery and motor.

[@NobodyOwesYouAnythin]

Nice video. I’ve been thinking of adding the lobster bouys for added stability too. Spoke with a couple other ‘Yakers and they asked me why I would need “Training Wheels” on My yak when it’s an FS12 Sit “In”, where your seat actually sits below the level of the waterline. Yes and No as far as being really stable, until you lean out with an arm or a leg and you’re swimming with the fish! ☺️ But I like your design and it’ll help me with the final design for mine. And I also used to have to lift and lower my yak off the roof of my car. But I have since bought an old Wave Runner trailer and converted it to haul my yak instead. Much easier now. Thanks again for the video.

[@bobcary7780]

Outriggers provide greater stability when raising the seat which raises center of gravity avoids less tipping

[@jinkaixue5051]

Thanksfor sharing. Very good rundown. My experience is that the pelican style kayak cart does not work well this Ascend FS12T. The kayak is two wide. I had difficulty in putting the cart underneath the boat. eventually had to buy a ascend cart.

[@pointsoftruth421]

Thanks for sharing! You have definitely helped me! God is good!

[@bobcary7780]

Glad to hear .. yes God is good all the time!

[@flydaddie]

like the chair idea

[@jeepnjo6]

Nice setup

[@bobcary7780]

Several people have asked how I made the outrigger stabilizers. They are 7 inch diameter bullet shaped crab pot floats about 14 inches long. They come with a hole through them. Before glueing them butt to butt I slid PVC tubing through them putting a Tee in the middle upside down with a vertical PVC pipe that connected to a 4 way tee at the top as you see in the picture at the top of the float. I then glued 90 degree elbows on either end of the pipe running through the floats, then a short pipe, and another 90 degree elbow as you see in the picture. The adhesive I used was Home Depot yellow insulation in a can that is adhesive. I used a spakle blade to smooth the adhesive into the joint in the middle where the two ends of the floats butted together. You can use cardboard. From the 4 way Tee in the middle at the top I ran a short pipe into a 90 degree elbow that slides over the 3/4 inch aluminum tube. I drilled all the way through that PCV white elbow and aluminum tube sliding a quick release pull pin into it so I could install the float and release it when done. The aluminum tube slides through brackets and is held in place with a pin that has holes in it that goes thru the 2x6 and a quick release pin slides through one of the holes to hold it in place. Feel free to call 410 three 40 six 954

[@attechoutdoors5893]

Good ideas. God bless.

[@captblackeagle]

Brilliant!!

[@johngrove4915]

Very clever Dude.

[@kirkruiz12]

Love it great job.

[@Quality_Guru]

Excellent mods. I think that you found yourself a part time job to make mods for other boaters.

[@bobcary7780]

It's not rocket science but one has to have some mechanical ability lol

[@dw8773]

I'm not a kayak guy but that is a nice setup!

[@markhall128]

I l like how you did your outfitters better than any. Other i've seen on you tube, thanks I'm doing my like yours.

[@bobcary7780]

if you have any questions feel free to call me 410 three 40 six 954

[@thebrokesoulone]

This is just good stuff right here, damn nice job, great use of everyday items and not being the guy to do this and spend 3000 dollars doing it. EXCELLENT job.

[@bobcary7780]

Thank you - tight lines !

[@inags6367]

NICE!! I like It!

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

You did real good. Now how about a short sail?

[@timnatsch9765]

Bob Cary. Thanks for the great yak upgrades video! Question - what construction adhesive did you use on the floats for your outriggers? How has it held up? Thank you in advance! Tim

[@bobcary7780]

I used Home Depot Insulation yellow spray adhesive in a can holds up permanently

[@josuemelara5085]

bery nice modificatios ,for the floats I used flag holders you can change the angle of the floats

[@bobcary7780]

I'm fine with them touching the water not in a race

[@askip7]

Nice build! I’ve searched but I can’t find those lobster bouys you used for the outriggers anywhere. Can you send me a link to wherever you bought those? Thanks

[@kevinrosing-clapp2881]

Bob, you have one of the best outrigger setups I have seen. I would love to see a video of an actual 'build' of just the outriggers! I can see what you have, but can't quite 'get' the internal design 'picture' of how the pvc 'rod' is designed/attached *inside* the lobster floats. Could you give me a detailed walkthrough of it, please??

[@bobcary7780]

give me a call 410 three 40 six 954

[@pooroldgreyhaireddaddy]

Hey Bob, I was hoping you'd explain the dolly setup. Do you run a strap up over or are they post in holes? Thanks and I'm figuring you are an engineer?

[@majestic-skies]

This is definitely one of the coolest setups Ive seen on this Kayak! Im thinking about buying this kayak myself, would you recommend it?

[@bobcary7780]

there may be other ones out there but for $650 it gets the job done - there may be some lighter this one is 78 pounds empty but ti holds up good

[@johannyang3341]

Love it only missing a beer fridge under that seat lol

[@bobcary7780]

that's where the mermaids go bro

[@bobbydobbs6125]

Love the video. Really interested in the sound deadening using the mat. Are you able to transport with them in? Are they attached in any way? Thanks for your time great boat.

[@bobcary7780]

The mats are loose so they can be rinsed off. I carry them in the car

[@rommelalba4904]

I wanna see you riding in it and show us what is like in the water

[@dusty5up178]

Love the ideas. Do you feel that by adding the outriggers they act as a counter weight for the trolling motor?

[@bobcary7780]

No my motor counter weight is placing the 12 volt battery on the opposite side behind me. They both weigh about the same

[@Not_Sure_]

Great job man. Thank you for sharing. Why not use the boat bumpers as outriggers ?

[@bobcary7780]

boat bumpers are not bouyant they sink easy

[@bobcary7780]

If you add a trolling motor your State may require you to register the kayak as a vessel. In FL it's like $35 annually. No big deal just beware because you could get fined if you have a motor without registration. Also most Marine Police require you to have a vest, a Coast Guard approved whistle and a flashlight.

[@broncos_8964]

Do you have a link or where you bought the floats

[@kevinherman4383]

Lol I love the people that are like i what it to be quiet the sounds will scar the fish all I can say is my best days fishing I have had have all came with my speaker blasting music in the bottom of my sit in side kayak

[@bobcary7780]

Lol - I play a radio too but not blasting - as you know nature is naturally quiet very early in the morning (like you're out on the water and hear nothing) well, that's what nature is used to .. as the day grows and people come out in boats fish likely get accustomed to the loud noises of engines, radios blasting, etc. So during those time periods its normal BUT fish also know when it's supposed to be quiet .. interview a fish and you'll find out

[@ericbulington2421]

Very good video. Way less "KZbiny" than others, and really practical. Did you use the square tubing on your outriggers because the PVC flexed too much? I worry about flex, but that square tube looks very rigid (albeit, hard to rig).

[@bobcary7780]

Yes the aluminum 3/4 inch tubing is very rigid, not flexible.

[@bobcary7780]

very easy to rig and install

[@pacospete4299]

" What If " on the outrigger system one aluminum post were to side into a larger post on the other side bring both floats right to the hull ? great video !!!

[@bobcary7780]

The closer to the Yak the less stability, the farther out they are, the greater the stability. 24 inches out works great. Against the hull may make no difference

[@jblake9042]

Great job. Have a couple of questions. First, where did you find, or should say "buy" the devices you used for outrigger floats? What are they called? Second, how do you keep the rubber pads in the boat while transporting it? Do you take them out and stow them some place? Outstanding presentation on your mods. Would like to build something similar that I can pull behind a motorized bicycle. Only about 10 miles away but have a couple of pretty steep hills to climb. The reason for power assist on the bike.

[@bobcary7780]

The outriggers consist of 36 inch long 3/4 inch aluminum tubes from Home Depot, PVC pipe and parts and the bullet shaped crab floats of high density neoprene or something strong. Had to use a handsaw to notch the half circle where the vertical pipe fit between the two floats before glueing them together. I put the mats in the back of my Rav 4 and slide the kayak onto surf board pads that velcro around my roof rack. The floats are large crab pot floats glued bottom to bottom with PVC pipe running thru

[@jblake9042]

@@bobcary7780 Thanks for the reply Bob, watched your vid again and see where I missed you telling about putting the foam pads in the car. Working on my canoe some. Made outriggers out of the bigger boat fenders from Walmart. Very stable now, also put a 35lb thrust trolling motor on it. Here in WV I have to put licenses on it because of the motor, which sucks. Also making a sailing setup for it. Sail is finished, but weather has been to wet to finish the rigging. Lake I fish at is huge and takes two fully charged deep cycle batteries to go from the boat ramp to the dam and back to the ramp. Reason for the sail, not to mention it's just plain fun to sail. My biggest problem is the weight to age ratio. Now near 69 yro the 100+ or so lbs the canoe and gear weigh is getting more than I can handle. Looking to get a kayak but will have to wait until I find out if I need another bypass surgery. Had a triple last year about this time but one closed off for some reason. Looks like I'll have to go under the knife again. Which will pretty much screw up the rest of the year for me. We'll see. Have two concerns about the kayak. The tip over which your out riggers seem to solve and the sitting position with a really bad back, which your seating setup seems to have solved. Well be safe out there, have fun and catch plenty of fish. proudhillbilly

[@jeffreykeithlockridge6248]

Great video Bob. I have a Hobie proangler12 and I can tell you, your boat as fitted would be 10-12 grand and people would buy. You sir should be the consult for yak companies. Have you thought about getting an anchor stake out pole? I just got one and I love it. I got the 1/2" X 7', but would strongly recommend 3/4" X 9' for strength in current.... getting one asap. I'd like to rig mine up with some of those stabilizers so I can use the boat for future sailing design/build. No reason that 1/2" glass rod couldn't be used as a mast, right? Good luck on the water!

[@bobcary7780]

I use a collapseable anchor which I tie off on the cleats .. works just fine fits under the seat along with the rope

[@jimwheeler6326]

Do the stabilizers interfere with tight maneuvering in brush spots ? very good video.

[@bobcary7780]

not really but I don't get into trees or brush .. usually on the water lol

[@fjdworld707]

Love your idea, I have a question, I also read the comments, but didn't find an answer. What kind of paint did you use? Will direct application of paint spray corrode this float? Thanks!

[@bobcary7780]

Home Depot Krypton paint Camo color

[@bobcary7780]

No it won't corrode the high density foam floats or PVC tubing running thru and around them

[@johnforr8883]

Nice package. What size and type battery do you use and is it tied down? I have a solar powered Rigid inflatable boat and want to do this to my kayak which is a cross between a kayak and canoe.

[@bobcary7780]

12 volt battery 55 amp hour which lasts all day .. like 6 to 8 hours because I'm not at full throttle the majority of the time .. and only use it to get to where I want to fish then turn it off.

[@bobcary7780]

You can get a light weight kayak or jet ski trailer instead of loading on the car roof and when at place that doesn't have trailer parking, disconnect the trailer and put it alongside your car. then use the wheel dolly to take her to the water .. I haven't done the trailer step yet but its a good cheaper way to transport if you need a trailer go lightweight for a few hundred bucks .. or load it on top of the car using bath mats to protect the paint

[@MsGorteck]

I liked this a lot, thank you. Perhaps I am missing it, but could you write what the pontoons are and/or where you found them? I know not what they are, nor where to look for them. Again thanks

[@bobcary7780]

In addition to the description below of the pontoons, they can be bought anywhere that sells crab pot buoys or floats that are bullet shaped

[@MrBoriqua2000]

What is the name of the floats that you used to stabilize your kayak? Do you have a link? Looks great

[@bobcary7780]

the floats are large crab pot or lobster floats - 2 of them glued together with PVC running thru

[@michellx8392]

Muy lindo tu kayak amigo te pasaste para ser ingenioso, una pregunta de qué medida es tu kayak?.. saludos cordiales de Chile 🇨🇱😁

[@ernestcuevas111]

El dijo 12 pies, un poco menos de 4 metros, saludos

[@fathertimencUSA]

Do they ever spray closed cell foam in these kayaks to make them unsinkable.

[@bobcary7780]

no because of the weight the foam adds

[@robertjenkins8630]

Hello Friend. Thank You for the great video!!!!! Where did you buy the outrigger floats at? I think you called them 7inch lobster floats. Please let me know. Thanks again and really enjoyed the video!!!

[@bobcary7780]

got them in St Pete at a marine outfitter they are large crab or lobster pot bouys

[@robertjenkins8630]

@@bobcary7780 Thank You Friend!!!

[@mikesigncarver3803]

Couple of questions, how well do outriggers really work on a kayak? I’m 58 and not as balanced as I used to be and would definitely tip if I tried standing in my kayak. Also where did you get you beck padding. Thanks

[@timschwarze8209]

Signcarver Mike think he said they are workout mats at walmart!

[@kevinrosing-clapp2881]

@@timschwarze8209 - WHAT? We're supposed to *listen* to the videos, as well as watch them now, TOO??? Oh, the HORROR!! This just keeps getting more & more COMPLICATED! 🤣

[@bobcary7780]

I raised my seat which changed the center of gravity. Got hit by a rogue wave when leaning over and fell out of the seat so I make outriggers for stability. First time out with them I felt like I was standing in a Boston Whaler. Very stable. They lie in the water a tad so there is some drag but I'm not in a race

[@bobcary7780]

I have a second kayak just like it without stabilizers which my son in law uses and he has no stability issues .. he is also half my age

[@johnforr8883]

How far from kayak do you put the outriggers/stabilizers?

[@bobcary7780]

mine are 24 inches out to center but you can have them closer. the farther out they are the more stable the boat is

[@tompeterson4628]

What brand of kayak is that. I love the layout of it.

[@jackme1992]

yeah, please tell................

[@bobcary7780]

@@jackme1992 Ascend FS12T by Bass Pro shops = Cabella may have it too. Really any sit on top can be outfitted this way if the inside is flat.

[@BluntTruth7]

Bob when you use your paddles, do your out riggers get in the way. Seems they're not angled and up high enough. Let me know because I'm doing the same to my yak and really like your design. Thanks.

[@zubertish]

Add to your question...a hooked fish on the run. I can see an easy entanglement with the outriggers if the fish goes a stern. If it's in the water, fish love to wrap your lines around it.

[@raleighthomas3079]

Christopher Cable-Cheval the floats run on the surface of the water, there is nothing in the water to wrap line around.

[@bobcary7780]

No I set the outriggers behind me such that my paddles do not interfere. Also have no problem pulling 27 inch reds into the kayak

[@bobcary7780]

@@zubertish Haven't had that problem since I can stand easily in the kayak and work the rod and line easily away from the outriggers which are only 24 inch center off the side of the kayak .. my rod extends beyond that

[@bobcary7780]

No I set the outriggers out enough (24 inches to center) so my paddles have free clearance and do not interfere. Also have no problem pulling 27 inch reds into the kayak

[@ChrisVZ77]

Did you have to seal the pontoons in any way, or did you just paint them for appearance purposes?

[@bobcary7780]

I painted them which helped seal the high density PVC foam. I used foam glue via the yellow spray can from Home Depot and that made them ugly so I painted them

[@davida4771]

excellent work. excellent video. I have the same yak, the same set of wheels, the same trolling motor and a few of the same mods. But you're mods are way better than my mods. wanna swap??? 😊

[@bobcary7780]

No but we could go fishin where you live?

[@walte99]

Where did you get the floats? We don't have many lobsters in SC so I don't think I can find them locally.

[@bobcary7780]

I went to a tackle and boat outfitter - they are crab pot type buoys

[@kevinrosing-clapp2881]

@@bobcary7780 - I have to agree with Walt here. We don't have much 'normal' use for crab & lobster pot floats in Minnesota. Tried checking with several boat outfitters, marinas, etc. & they don't even understand what these type of floats ARE, let alone WHERE to get any. Can you at least put up the website of the outfitter you got yours from, & the float size/specs, please!

[@slowmo7993]

@@kevinrosing-clapp2881 amazon $14 something for 2 bought last night 6x 14

[@bobcary7780]

Large 17 inch crab pot floats better than coke bottles

[@bobcary7780]

@@kevinrosing-clapp2881 www.englundmarine.com/products/crab-floats%7CCG-CF.html most companies sell large bullet shaped crab floats. Mine are 2 of them glued together with PVC pipe running thru them. The link is not where I bought mine but you get the idea. Mine are 7 inch x 14 for an overall joined length of 28+ inches

[@joebrewer5885]

Do your outriggers sit in the water while paddling or only when you lean ?

[@bobcary7780]

the outriggers sit in the water lightly so in choppy conditions there is a bit of drag but I dont care about speed I wanted stability

[@michaelwinter3797]

Very informative video! Many thanks! One question? How far apart have you set the outriggers?

[@bobcary7780]

Two feet off each side of the kayak

[@michaelwinter3797]

@@bobcary7780 Many thanks!

[@jlindsay5038]

Love the kayak open deck nice who make it ?

[@bobcary7780]

Bass Pro Shop read my replies for more info

[@lancerudy9934]

Rey nice can you build me one!

[@bobcary7780]

I can show you how if you live in Florida close to Sarasota

[@darrinmitchell6175]

How did you determine the height of the out riggers

[@bobcary7780]

put all of the gear in the kayak incl myself and using a level, measured down to the water from the board. If you do it without the motor, battery and human weight just raise it up an inch or so

[@richhernandez9305]

Did you glue plugs in?

[@bobcary7780]

siliconed them

[@trex2092]

And now that you have a motor on you are required to have it registered, boat serial number on the bow and all that stuff for powered boats.

[@bobcary7780]

Whatever your State requires. Mine is registered - not worth the risk to not do so

[@bobcary7780]

Some people were concerned about overloading the kayak with what I've done. Their comments are hilarious. All loaded I'm 85 to 90 pounds UNDER the kayak capacity of 350 pounds.

[@blaircox1589]

Did you fiberglass the floats?

[@BluntTruth7]

Should fiberglass the floats so when you bang them around the foam doesn't fall apart in the water, which we as anglers don't wont to happen.

[@bobcary7780]

I did not fiberglass these crab floats .. they last forever in water holding crab pots as they are. The high density foam is NOT soft .. had to cut it with a handsaw

[@ryankelly6126]

are the screws self tapping

[@bobcary7780]

No I used washers and bolts

[@normb28]

what seat did you use?

[@bobcary7780]

The seat comes with the kayak .. I've seen people use beach chairs and others suited for kayaks

[@tylerjohnson6923]

What is the kayak name? I’m looking to but that same one

[@bobcary7780]

Bass Pro sells them . .mine is the FS12T (not the FS128T)

[@darrinmitchell6175]

And are you about 3 feet from the sides

[@bobcary7780]

24 inches out I believe see my replies above and as mentioned in the video

[@CrunkyOMan83]

Should Velcro all those mattings

[@bobcary7780]

I don't velcro the mats because I rinse them off each trip and take them out to dry and since they are cut to fit inside the walls of the kayak, they don't move around

[@CaptJimmysLivingTheDreamFishin]

I enjoyed watching your video. You have some pretty neat ideas.

[@ajeetkanda8410]

My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. kzbin.infoUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!