My Budget Kayaking Gear (With a Pelican Trailblazer 100 Kayak)

[@dh7164]

Water sports are accessible even to those of us who can't afford much. We should appreciate that. Great video!

[@parksguy3018]

Very helpful for someone considering getting a Kayak. What you will need and basic costs. Thanks for sharing.

[@bikemed74]

I have the same one. The only thing I did was drill a hole between the seat and hatch and inserted a fishing rod holder, I made a pvc pole to hold the GoPro, got some good shots. I live on the Ohio river and there are a lot of lakes and streams around.

[@SUVRVing]

It's a great little kayak. I've thought about making some similar modifications to mine but haven't gotten around to them yet. They're on my to-do list. Thanks Joe.

[@Agile47509chicken]

I enjoyed this video because you and I have the exact same kayak, roof racks, and lock. I actually encounter the short lock issue just last night as I wanted to leave it mounted on the car overnight for an early morning paddle. Thanks!

[@ratherbfishing455]

I see a lot of people with Pelicans. They like them.

[@SUVRVing]

For the price, I have zero complaints. It's a great little kayak. Thanks RBF.

[@ridgerunner66]

Thanks for showing us your kayak. Friend of mine that I hike with got one a while back. Looking into getting one myself. Not as expensive as I had thought. As always, thanks for sharing with us. Davin

[@SUVRVing]

Yeah, for $300 you can have everything you need. I was pleasantly surprised by that too.Thanks Davin!

[@darylphipps8663]

Another great video Tristen! Cant wait to get out there and see what it is like to SUV RVing in the 2001 Burb! God speed in your healing and back to your travels!...Daryl

[@SUVRVing]

2001 Burb, eh? Sounds awesome! I'd love to see some pics of your setup. I recently posted some pics to my blog of a really nice Suburban build.

[@ussling]

For the roof rack, blue thread lock on the threads of the wing nuts for each cradle will keep the nuts from working loose in any driving condition.

[@whatsananna]

I have the exact same kayak and I love it. I HAVE tipped mine but that was totally my fault. I was in water too fast and high for safety. Love the accessories. Another I would recommend is a “paddle leash” which is helpful if the paddle gets away from you.

[@SUVRVing]

It's a great little kayak. I do have a paddle leash but never use it. I found that it just got in my way. Of course, I'll be singing a different tune once I drop a paddle and it floats off down a river without me or sinks to the bottom, but for now, I prefer not using one :) Thanks Melissa.

[@lxoxrxexnx]

I did lose a paddle down the river once. The feeling of dismay is one that I don’t want to repeat. After the event I bought a replacement paddle of the good kind and another cheaper one from Wal-Mart that I keep in the bow between my feet.

[@jimcarter4929]

Been thinking for some time about getting a beginner kayak, this video was perfect intro to low cost and basics of transporting. Thanks.

[@SUVRVing]

Great! You should definitely get one. They're a ton of fun.

[@kellydowns6723]

Very informative and helpful video. Thanks for the thorough walkthrough!

[@churchrobert73]

Hi, love the video mate, great to see you can have fun on the water without buying the most expensive equipment, have fun 👍

[@norwoodbaybridge761]

This is a wonderful video; and, it is very enjoyable to watch. The pool noodle, shoulder pad is a great idea (shown at 4:52); along with the removable, plastic paddle holder. Thank you for posting this video.

[@SUVRVing]

I'm happy that you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@ledatangen]

Thanks for the video! I just got a kayak for Christmas and cannot wait to be able to just go whenever I want!

[@SUVRVing]

You'll love it! Thanks for watching.

[@alfredkoczka6631]

I bought use one,good condition (angler )can't wait for the fun,thanks.

[@InevitableSecrets]

On the back hatch you could line it with rubber weather stripping to make it water resistant.

[@Radnally]

Pelicans are a good deal. I got the vortex because it weighs 28 lbs and carrying it from the car to launch site is not too bad. I had an Ocean kayak scupper pro that was 48lbs and that was a beast to carry. Had to use a trolly. Too much hassle.

[@SUVRVing]

Wow, 28 lbs is great! That's definitely a feature right there. I can manage mine without a cart or trolley, but I wouldn't want it to be much bigger. Thanks Radnally.

[@barbhayes5613]

Pool noodle - brilliant! I really like how well thought-out your modification decisions are. Cheers

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Barb! The pool noodle works great. I'm really happy with that modification.

[@verdellparentaaawink268]

You can do a lot with cheap kayaks I have done a video putting a trolling motor on the pelican trailblazer 100 nxt and the sun dolphin Bali ss10 adding the motor kit made these cheap kayaks really nice

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, for sure. I love mine.

[@rickyhogan2749]

Thank you for the good upload, very helpful.

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

Great review. Thanks for making this available. They're a very affordable kayak and I keep hearing how tough the material is. I'm almost certainly going to purchase one of these and was wondering how the boat has held up now that you've had it for nearly 2 years. Greetings from Satellite Beach, Florida.

[@SUVRVing]

It's held up great. I'll be using it tomorrow!

[@romang9629]

Great video! I needed this. I bought the same J bars. Will be putting them on my ride tomorrow.

[@SUVRVing]

Awesome. They've worked great for me. Let me know how they work out for you.

[@romang9629]

SUV RVing They worked out GREAT! Kayak weekend last weekend. 3 days, 3 different trips, loading and unloading, they are getting the job done.

[@bc24txn]

great video! i have the same kayak and am exactly like you. My Pelican is perfect and i could not ask for a better kayak. i do it for fun and a hobby but not too serious to invest mega bucks. Excellent tip on the paddle clips, these are exactly what i need and i did not even know they exist. I did not want to drill holes in mine to install paddle clips so these are perfect. Thanks again for the vid and see ya on the water! i dont think you need that third strap (red) one you put on at the end. Two are plenty and you can clearly see the kayak bow in a little when you crank it down. Looks like where you place it is a weak point. If you feel the need for a third strap maybe a bungee cord or something that does not put too much strain on the hull? just my thoughts.... if you are ever in Texas HMU. Dallas area has lots of good paddle spots.

[@journeywithjay]

Really like pool noodle idea

[@ediedaley3701]

Great intro to kayaking vid for a newbie! I’m too short, and it’s too heavy to lift over my head, but an inflatable would be nice. Thanks for the links. Enjoy your videos always!

[@SUVRVing]

You can get 8-foot kayaks that can actually just be slid into the inside of many SUVs. They're lighter, and you wouldn't have to carry it above your head. But you're right, an inflatable one would probably be better. Thanks Edie!

[@ediedaley3701]

SUV RVing That’s good info. Thanks!

[@selvinlove2572]

Your video was awesome and it had lots of info.

[@TheCramMichael]

Pool noodle is great!

[@MsLori62]

Very helpful video. Thanks.

[@ChasinSimplicity]

This may come as a surprise, but, I have a question. Since you are meticulous with documentation I’m sure you know what effect that the kayak has on gas mileage. (If any). Thanks for the video. I have recently went on one kayak trip around here on the lakes in Florida. Was very peaceful, I see the attraction to such an endeavor.

[@SUVRVing]

I actually haven't noticed any significant drop in gas mileage. To be honest, that's not something I track super SUPER closely. If it does affect it, it's not enough that I've noticed or to make a big difference. And yeah, there's something just super peaceful about lounging out on a lake or river in a kayak. I really enjoy it.

[@lxoxrxexnx]

Chasin' Simplicity , I have noticed no drop in mileage. I have a Pelican Escape 120X carried on my Forester.

[@carolthecrazycamper3442]

I am amazed that cover stats on in wind while traveling.

[@SUVRVing]

Me too, but it does!

[@chillios2222]

for stuff you got a ton of views ! thank you love to kayak and I dont spend much either !

[@billraab2436]

Thanks... I appreciated all the info. Well done.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Bill, I'm glad you found the video helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@ejk6670]

What is the middle ratchet strap for you didn't strap it to anything on top of your car you just wrapped it around your kayak and strap your kayak to itself

[@cleaverp]

Thanks for posting. Very interesting.

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@SarahsCarryOn]

I use the same yak and have converted it into a fishing kayak 👍😃

[@SUVRVing]

It's a great little kayak! Thanks Sarah :)

[@brilang71]

I didn't see you using a bow & stern line. Every kayaking resource I've found so far basically says don't drive without them. Why don't you use them?

[@rdsmith4982]

Really very helpful information...Thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching, Doug.

[@cosh850]

I have the same kayak and I am very happy it cost me 175 4 years ago and I still have it

[@SUVRVing]

I'm still using mine too Works great!

[@jlindsay5038]

It's almost a direct copy of the lifetime 80 Pacer all but the back hatch areas

[@Sun87799]

Wondering what size cockpit cover you got. Thanks

[@SUVRVing]

It's the size 7.0 cover. Thanks for watching.

[@wastedbread8036]

That's pretty neat, i want one.

[@SUVRVing]

Yeah, I really like it. You should definitely get one. Thanks Blue Goat.

[@corneaters3107]

How long is your kayak?

[@jwrhynejr.6689]

Great video! Thanks!

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching :)

[@corysnladventures2758]

Do not cut the hatch... cut behind you're back rest. The plastic is already mark. Does not interfere with boyency or structure integrity of the kayak. 😆👍👍👈✌

[@PortlandAlbinoSlug]

Looks like size 7 cockpit cover is no longer offered by ACK or Seals.

[@alvaradacosta293]

Your ready for a new adventure....that's GREAT. Be Careful for your camera...I'm sure IT'S expensive and you don't want it to be a gift to the water.....maybe you should put industrial Velcro on it so that it can be held down and not fall off.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Alvara. I've been using the kayak since May and haven't dropped the camera into the water yet. I also have a waterproof camera that I sometimes use when kayaking.

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

Why can’t you lay the knack flat on the roof and turn it upside down! ?

[@tomwall8403]

I read a comment somewhere else that one user of this kayak was able to fit this kayak INSIDE their Jeep Patriot. Have you heard of anyone doing anything like that?

[@SUVRVing]

That definitely wouldn't work with my kayak and my RAV4. It would work with an 8-foot kayak, but my 10-foot kayak wouldn't fit.

[@fourstringgirl]

I've hauled mine in the back of a Scion tC.

[@YumYumGetchaSum]

how many mpg does your kayak get?

[@SUVRVing]

Bout tree fiddy

[@carolthecrazycamper3442]

Why don't paddles go in the kayak? Too heavy and push cover off?

[@bikemed74]

Carol Pfeifle I carry the paddles and a bailer in the kayak.

[@SUVRVing]

Mostly because they jump around too much when I'm driving on bumpy dirt roads. I don't like the sound of them clanking around up there, and yes, I'm also afraid they would also push the cover off. The foam noddle piece and the life jacket are soft enough that they don't clank or make noise.

[@ChasinSimplicity]

SUV RVing maybe you could rig some sort of strap or buy a couple of those paddle holders and somehow hook them to the foot rests? Dunno but a thought!

[@SUVRVing]

I suppose I could figure something out, but I don't see the need. They fit perfectly where they are and don't take up any space that would be used for anything else.

[@vanskizzy]

Have you thought about an inflatable kayak?

[@SUVRVing]

Yep. I've used several inflatable boats in the past and have a very lightweight one that I use on hikes. When I'm on longer SUV camping trips, I don't have the room in my car for an inflatable kayak, so I'd have to put it on the roof anyway. Non-inflatable ones steer much better and are just more enjoyable to paddle, IMO.

[@conniewaite1371]

What does it weigh?

[@conniewaite1371]

Saw it, thanks

[@daniel.gorini]

Pelicans are good and Canadian.

[@Blisslyke]

I had NO Idea they made a kayak lock! I always worry when I eat somewhere after kayaking. Brain = exploded

[@SUVRVing]

Mine worked for 2 or 3 years before it stopped clamping down tightly. It's time to get a new one, but they're reasonably priced enough. Thanks for watching!