DIY Kayak Modifications - PVC Track Adapter (Option 3)

If you like DIY kayak modifications for your poor man's kayak fishing setup AND like cheap kayak modification ideas, then check out how to make a PVC gear head adapter for your utility track. You can mount DIY fishing kayak accessories using this cheap kayak mod. This DIY kayak mod is Option 2 for a PVC track adapter. Link to Option 1 below.
Best Option: • Fishing Kayak Setup DI...
Second Best Option: • How to make a PVC Gear...
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The Kayak Hacks Fishing channel covers kayak, wading, shoreline, spin and fly fishing. It features gear mods to make kayak fishing more comfortable, efficient and enjoyable. Also, I share many tips, tricks and "how to's" for both spin and fly fishing regardless of whether you are fishing from a boat or on your feet. Please subscribe! Thanks!
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[@KayakhacksFishing]

*While this works, here is the best option:* kzbin.info/www/bejne/sILLhGxveqeGh7c Since posting this video, I have become a fan of Tee Bolts. You can get 20 of them for around $10 - 15 depending on the size. I ordered mine from Home Depot for free store delivery. I show them in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppyQYXeQYsijfbM

[@vtseller]

I love and appreciate the diy kayak stuff! Most of my diy stuff ends up costing me more in the end but I love building.

[@river86012]

Man can't beat your channel it's fantastic how you can save me money. Entertaining too. Thank you very much!!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Appreciate it!

[@dandiego6199]

I love your channel. Just saved myself $89 bucks. Instead spent $25 and maid myself a great camera mount. And mounted it on my boonedox track. Spray painted it and it looks awesome. Thanks again...

[@azwooddesign7431]

Hey dan would love to see your camera set up and how you mounted it. Tight lines

[@texczechbohunk2143]

Ahhhh.... The DIY cheap guy stuff is back. Thanks!

[@steveslifevideos8803]

The first version is still working great for me, I will try this method this spring as I have added to my kayak collection. Thanks for the video, keep up the great ideas!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!

[@jeremypierce1607]

I just finished make 2 with the toilet bowl bolts and used Zoffinger's method for making them fit Scotty holders. They turned out great thanks to you guys.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Perfect!

[@Heather-oj7ps]

I love diy stuff. I appreciate it more because I did it myself. Thanks for sharing!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

You are so welcome!

[@reddreaper975]

thank you.i needed this video

[@thealphabeaver298]

You sir, are the man!!! Good looking out

[@jerryebner7582]

I like the other method myself. Will have to try one soon

[@davidlewis9572]

I don’t have a kayak, but I always like to learn new tricks . I have a bass hunter , kayak is on my to get list. Great info

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks! Appreciate it!

[@wesleyhackney]

Fantastic idea. Can't wait to try it out thanks for coming up with both options. Hate paying top $ for overpriced kayak accessories

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Both of us!

[@tomsergesketter5138]

Great idea. I’ve been trying to figure out how to attach my camera to my kayak. Now I know. Thanks.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I recently found inexpensive Tee Bolts at Home Depot. You have to order them for store or home deliver. But, you can get 20 for under $15. www.homedepot.com/p/POWERTEC-1-4-in-20-x-1-1-2-in-L-Tee-Bolt-20-Pack-QTB1008/309586260

[@retnav92]

Nice work. 👍

[@williamandjacklynnscott5317]

Good idea thanks for sharing

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@AliexFolgueira]

Love the IBM shirt 😊

[@redwood1957]

brilliant I like it Washers were cool I was thing stainless and we know they are going to rust showing us its not true stainless. Thanks

[@chrislockard7308]

Thanks for the ideas. I used the pointy t nuts and a toilet bolt. I heated the t bolt up with a torch and pressed it into the inside of the pvc using a socket. No glue needed. The prongs set fully into the cap. It works, thanks for the ideas.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@wiffbob1484]

I was thinking that exact same thing. It makes great sense, and easy too.

[@punishment2560]

Brilliant!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!

[@OutsideTripps]

great hacks!

[@mckmh07167]

Genius. Great ideA

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks! Appreciate it!

[@wagnersantana_]

Nice ideia! Congractulations about that!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks! Appreciate it!

[@pmm422]

I use 1/4-20 carriage bolts, depends on the track some times I need to file or grind the sides a little but bulk carriage bolts seem to work for me. (I'm using T-track and not yakatak)

[@SmackingTuna]

you saved my kayaks life with this simple way haha which i am not a fan of drilling holes in a 1000 dollar kayak for any reason so i used a single pvc pipe similar to your light on the track mount. i have an 8 in'' high u shaped pvc pipe that goes on my front two rod holders with a 22 inch led light bar and my back two were similar to your idea they look the same but slide in the back rod holders..where you helped me was i tried to buy a scotty rail mount and screw on my led which isnt working i do not like the look so i was so close to this idea and i have not seen anyone else do this on youtube so GREAT IDEA but i am going to get this setup now.. Thank you for the video and you have one more subscriber now.... oh my kayak is the Ascend 128T that comes pre wired with yak power.. i know there is allot better kayaks out there on the market but we have one sporting good store in central texas which would be "Cabelas" But t's mine and i am happy with it..

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thank you for the kind words. The only thing I would add to this old video is that you can get Tee Bolts to attach the accessory. They only cost around $10 - 15 for 20 depending on the size you get.

[@SmackingTuna]

@@KayakhacksFishing yes that sounds good I ordered me some t bolts on Amazon but they have the star knob on the back so I will probably have to use apoxy on the Inside so the star knob will stay in place and I hope the rail was 1/4 inch if not I'll figure it out

[@tsjuno]

Thanks for the idea. I just made a phone holder with this idea. But I used a slip fit plug instead of the threaded it seems to hold just fine.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I prefer the slip fit. Sadly, they are scarce at my local stores

[@brianfaust8714]

Nice!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks! Appreciate it!

[@GT_Racer347]

Sweet 👍🏻

[@adamwilson4834]

Garden hose washers would work good.

[@justingriggs1816]

Toilet bolts, 3/4 inch pvc, 3/4 pvc plug drilled with 7/32 drill bit, 2 3/4 elbows

[@philod902]

FYI, those T-Nuts also come with brad holes instead of prongs so no need to grind. They also come in different lengths.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I saw those, but they were over $1 each when I could get 4 of the prong version for $1.18. The more expensive version is cleaner and if you only needed one mount, then it would be the best choice.

[@MrSteve280]

Heat the nut on the bolt, make a hexagon indentation into the cap. The nut will be embedded into the cap already and the epoxy will be icing on the cake to make sure it doesn't move.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Great enhancement!

[@davidcortez5614]

Nice... I have seen a third option. But I haven't tried it yet. He used the T-nut inside the end cap, so it dug into the plastic and then the toilet bowl bolt in the track, like the first video. No epoxy needed

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Now, that is a great idea!

[@myadventureoutdoors]

You just go ahead and do all those fancy DIY Kayak hacks and display your geniusry. The problem with all that geniusry and your fancy new kayak, I'm still going to whip you good when we go fishing.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Sadly, I know. Technology never defeats skill...

[@yauck1]

LOL you are mean

[@AliexFolgueira]

Got the standard old gear tracks and the new top loading gear tracks

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I am not familiar with the top loaders. Do you have a link?

[@AliexFolgueira]

Kayak Hacks Fishing here is a link to ack.com and I also went over on my bonafide ss127 walk thru video 😋 www.austinkayak.com/products/17985/YakAttack-Gear-Trac-GTTL90-4-Inch-Top-Loading-Aluminum-Mounting-Track.html?k=Top%20loading

[@MarcPipistrello]

Here’s an alternative to epoxy that will set and harden in MINUTES to a fully useable mount. There’s a product out there called “thermomorph” that starts out as tiny white plastic beads. When heated to above 140 F, they turn transparent and become like a clear putty. They mold together and can be fashioned into many uses, including making a “rope” to set into the cap lime epoxy putty. As the stuff cools in minutes, it hardens and goes back to its original white. The stuff is extremely tough and will hold up under many conditions. I plan on using it when I make my rail mount.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Wow! Thanks!

[@MarcPipistrello]

Kayak Hacks Fishing Check out videos here on KZbin about Thermomorph. There’s another product called Plastimake that does the same thing but it costs more.

[@k9kayaks]

Thanking you for both videos. Curious where's the most economical place to get "Tracks" . My #BigTuna did not come with any tracks. Always enjoy your #DIY Videos 👍🏻🎣

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I'm not sure. Tracks come in different strengths - so that drives the cost. You can get pretty inexpensive plastic ones for light/medium use at any sporting goods store that has a decent fishing section.

[@k9kayaks]

Kayak Hacks Fishing thank you

[@thedookster4143]

Thanks for a good alternative to the other way we were making these. Instead of washers, would it be more appropriate to trim the bolt to length?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

That would work. I did not want to take that step... lazy

[@thedookster4143]

@@KayakhacksFishing lol

[@elischultes6587]

I probably wouldn’t shim the cap with washers. I would most likely cut the bolt shorter. More stable that way.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

That should work!

[@inalaska1709]

You could skip the threaded connector and just use a pvc cap for whatever size pvc you want to use. Save even more money.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes, I agree. When I made the video, only the threaded was available.

[@peterpiper_203]

Johnny bolts 3/4" pvc. Sch 40 plug 3/4" female adapter x socket Sch 40

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks

[@gpdory]

use fender washers for spacers, they have a wider footprint

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Great idea!

[@The1700Rider]

Ok, so in place of washers would a 1/2" bolt be too short?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I tried it with 1/2" initially and there was not enough bite on the T-nut. That may be a function of the wide track I have with a thick ridge. 1/2" might work if the ridge is thin.

[@doublelranch8908]

Why do you use the threaded adapters instead of the slip adapters. Disassembly is only reason I can think of

[@KayakhacksFishing]

It's really a matter of personal preference and what you have hanging around. I use both.

[@wc164]

What if you used a 1/4x20 carriage bolt in the track and melted the t-nut in the pvc?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Only trying it will tell. I think melting the t-nut into the PVC would be harder than the other options. Let me know how it works if you try it!

[@SmackingTuna]

Couldn't you cut down the bold or buy a shorter bolt? Just an idea

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Sure, that works! Since doing this video, I discovered Tee Bolts. You can get 20 for around $15.

[@jerrykrobby]

Even easier method- instead of using a 3/4" or 1" cap use a 1/2" male threaded cap. Turn the open end of the cap up and place on a hard surface. Using the same toilet bolt set, place the nut on the open end of the cap (domed end up) and gently tap the nut into the 1/2" cap until it hits bottom. You can use the toilet bolt as a guide if necessary to keep the nut straight. Just don't hammer too hard on the toilet bolt as you can strip the threads on the nut. The nut has a tight fit which alleviates the need for epoxy. Then you can use a 3/4" slip x 1/2" FPT adapter to accept a 3/4" pvc pipe. Project takes less than 5 minute (aside from painting of course).

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Wonderful improvement! I'll pin your comment to the top!

[@whourdadie]

I would like to see pics of this or maybe a video.

[@jerrykolberg5232]

What size pvc pipe did you use thank you.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I use whatever I need to fit the accessory I want to mount. Typically, I use either 3/4 or 1 inch for most things.

[@shihanjulio]

You didn't state the PVC size in either video. Is it 3/4 or 1" ? Thanks.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

It can be whatever you want - depends on what you want to mount.

[@timshockley6445]

thats cool and all but it needs to be stainless steel or brass

[@BobBohner4851]

I had problems having the epoxy harden enough to hold the bolt. I tried JB WELD COLD WELD FORMULA that hardened to 5000 psi. It’s much better than epoxy

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes, unless you get the mix of hardener correct, the epoxy will just sit. I like the JB weld as well.

[@moepaquette6495]

What are the sizes of your pvc parts

[@KayakhacksFishing]

You can use any size depending on what you want to attach to it. I usually use 1 inch.

[@kirkfreshour8018]

Or just use a shorter bolt?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes. Here is my favorite option to do this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sILLhGxveqeGh7c

[@junderhillmac]

Are the T-nut stainless?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes

[@MrBumbles2]

do away with washers and get a shorter bolt, or mark bolt , take out screw bolt in and cut the bolt to length. unscrew bolt and threads will be deburred and no need for washer s

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Great suggestion! Thanks

[@redwood1957]

where does one find the track CHEAP TRACK

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I have seen plastic versions for light duty that are not at expensive at Dicks

[@daviddevine1757]

Why have I not seen a video on cheap slide track I'm sure there must be something to match in a big hardware store. Just putting it out there.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

lol! Now I have to look!

[@chrislockard7308]

m.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=29078906&KPID=17479361&cid=CAPLA:G:Shopping__-Catch_All-__Mobile&pla=pla_17479361&k_clickid=3add3186-a8ce-48a6-86b7-0415575cbeaa&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjIDviqeD2gIVBwlpCh3S7AQAEAQYAyABEgLj-_D_BwE

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Wow! Thanks! I'll check it out

[@kate7580]

Rockler Woodworking has Track, and you can get the 48 inch version on sale at times for 25 bucks. it comes with a plethora of hardware too!!

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

For the gap... I'd take a chunk of PVC pipe, Heat it, flatten it then with a hole saw kit I make PVC fender washers of all sizes They work great for axles too I put them between the wheel and the project. Or just use them as spacers. Check out this link to a complete rudder I made out of PVC... The ideas are endless!! FYI: There are PVC washers on either side of the rudders pivot. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJCugq19h8qHpKM

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Wonderful suggestion! Thanks!

[@seanb2604]

Use gray electrical PVC.....it's UV stable

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks. I did not know that

[@dryerflyer]

Are you from big blue?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I worked for them for 15 years as my second career

[@williamkennedy6423]

Other mod was much better. It gave a proper fit and being made of brass, would not rust.

[@michaelmarchio665]

what size is the PVC fitting

[@KayakhacksFishing]

It can be any size - depends on what you want to put on top. I like using the 1 inch fittings

[@michaelmarchio665]

@@KayakhacksFishing what is the length of the 3/4" 1/4-20 bolt. Is the a bill of materials for this?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

@@michaelmarchio665 The bolt needs to be at least 3/4" long, but since the inside is hollow, it does not really matter. You need the bolt, a locking nut, epoxy, a PVC cap and PVC connector in whatever size you need. I like 1". Get the flat cap like this one - www.lowes.com/pd/LASCO-1-1-2-in-x-1-1-2-in-dia-Cap-PVC-Fitting/3371576

[@cliffwalden4038]

Why not use Stainless Steel weld tabs? I use the "low profile narrow base with projections". www.mcmaster.com/weld-tabs

[@KayakhacksFishing]

What a great idea! I never knew these existed!

[@cliffwalden4038]

Yeah, we sell them at work. As soon as I decided to add track to my kayak, I knew what to use. Works like a charm.

[@jeffmcilwain7529]

Go back to the brass toilet bolts. You won't have to use washers and the tee nuts are going to rust anyways.

[@thankmelater295]

Should use Schedule 80 pvc much stronger!!!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for the tip

[@TheGoatMumbler]

I love DIY hacks. But at some point ya gotta determine if all that is worth just buying a $14.95 Railblaza or Scotty track mount. By the time you buy epoxy, 2 adapters, bolts & nuts and invest the time I'm not sure there's any savings. But hack on man!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Shade tree mechanic!

[@millerslanding2310]

:)