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Ordering information
W Kayak demo movies: Fishing, surfing, launching etc.
W fishing kayak reviews by professional kayakers, kayak fishermen and designers
Fishing kayaks product info
Article on how your kayak's ergonomics affect your kayaking and fishing performance
Article on Kayak design and speed - Comparison of kayak designs
User Manual: Launching, paddling, fishing, recovery
How to launch and handle your fishing kayak in the surf and in the ocean: articles, videos and photos
Kayak fishing in shallow water - Information
Kayak fishing in icy water, in winter.  photos, tips and tricks
Long fishing trips with your fishing kayak: articles, videos and photos
Children kayak fishing
Fishing and kayaking standing in a kayak: Article, photos and videos
W Kayak outfitting for fishing and surfing
Wavewalk fishing kayaks - about us
NEW:
Motorized W Fishing Kayak - UK
NEW: W Kayak Review By Jamie H, Wisconsin
Paul C.'s W Kayak - Connecticut
Jim's W: Wisconsin and Florida
Brandon's F2 (MA)
Jeff McGovern
About The W - Kayak Review

Gary's Outfitted W Kayak - Florida
W kayak review by professional boat designer - Key West, Florida

Kayak Fishing With Jeff - Articles, Tips etc.


U.S. Pat #6871608












                            
Outfitting Your W 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 Motorizing Your W Fishing Kayak
Rox' W Fishing kayak with electric 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.


Simple, do-it-yourself motor mount for 2008 W kayak


On the left:
The illustration on the left shows a simple, do it yourself transom style external mount for an electric trolling motor, made from a single wooden board. 
All you need are 4
bolts to attach it directly to the top of the hull tips.




On the right:

Rear view of our suggestion for a W kayak configuration with one large-size outrigger and a 2-4 HP outboard gas engine.
Read more

W fishing kayak with outrigger and outboard motor

1.3 Paddle Holders
Paddle holder for W fishing kayak
Photo: Jeff MG, Florida
Paddle holder with WW paddleaddle 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.


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

 
1.4  Tackle 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)
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.

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 Anchors

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, FL)

kayak anchor system
Andrew's weighted anchor  
Photo: Andrew Kumler, OR



F2 with anchor system
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
W fishing kayak seat
Plastic seat on top of W kayak cockpit
Photo: Andrew Kumler, OR

Extra comfort in fishing kayak
Adirondack chair inside the cockpit

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.

Kayak Seat
Kayak seat
Photo: Andrew Kumler, OR




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.
Gary's pulling mat
Gary's pulling mat - rear view
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 Side Floatation
In addition, we offer to outfit your W fishing kayak with removable, foam 'noodles' floatation attached to the cockpit's sides 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 - DIY
This section is offered as an information service but it doesn't necessarily mean that you need to consider outfitting
your W 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.
The foam noodles we supply have long bungee cords in them, and they can be easily attached to the eyelets (tie downs) on side / top of the hulls.

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.    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.
  • All 2008 W kayak models come equipped with either one or two detachable side floatation modules on each side.

Fishing kayak with side floatation modules

Fishing kayak with side floatation modules - side view
DIY Side floatation modules made from Styrofoam



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






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...

Work platform for W Fishing Kayak:
Work platform for fishing kayak
Jeff McGovern keeps finding new ways to rig his W kayak. This time he turned a TV tray into a handy working platform.

DIY PADDLE HOLDERS FOR THE 2008 MODELS, BY JEFF McGOVERN:
Paddle with paddle holders - fishing kayak
The paddle rests above the side floatation

paddle holder for fishing kayakJeff 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 Mares camouflaged his W kayak and now you can hardly see it...


Jeff's fishing kayak
Jeff's 'Fishing Machine' , Florida

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


Motorized kayak with outriggers
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 it and his waterproof radio to the saddle. -See boat review

Andrew's kayak cockpit cover
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 'Ole Yellow' 'W Fishing Machine' 

Jo's outfitted W fishing kayak
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 10 ft long paddle
W fishing kayak with custom, 10 ft long  Wavewalk paddle

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