Kayak multipurpose rear PVC bar

When I was originally looking to purchase a kayak I noticed that several different brands offered a bar in the rear and some offered a front pull-up bar.  Both bar options came with a pretty high price tag considering what it was and the materials involved.  So after some research and multiple measurements I decided to make my own kayak rear bar from PVC.

The rear kayak bar I designed serves multiple purposes.  You can do the following with this rear kayak bar:

• Fishing rod holder (holds 4 fishing rods and can be designed to hold additional if necessary)
• Serves as a kayak stabilizer / outrigger mount (without altering your kayak)
• The top serves as a cutting board for bait
• The top also serves as a tool holder for pliers, scissors, and knife.
• Serves as a stability bar in case you lose your balance and need to grab onto something.
• It also has 4 additional screw in mount points to add any additional items.  Items such as a mount for your GoPro, fishing net, etc.

The best part about this rear kayak bar is that it mounts to the Malibu Stealth-12 kayak without modifying the hull.  This mount does not require any holes to be inserted into your kayak.

Materials Required:
Qty. 1 - 10' piece of 1/2" PVC
Qty. 4 - 1"x1"x1/2" PVC Tee Fitting (slip) (used for rod holders)
Qty. 2 - 1/2"x1/2"x3/4" PVC Tee Fitting (slip) (used for stabilizer / outrigger)
Qty. 2 - 3/4" PVC Cap
Qty. 4 - 1/2" 90 degree PVC Elbow Fitting
Qty. 12 - 1/2" PVC Tee Fitting (slip)
Qty. 4 - 3/4" PVC Saddle Tee
Qty. 4 - 1/2" PVC Tee Fitting (threaded)

 I'll show you how shortly... More pictures and instructions to follow.  Please give me your feedback.

You will utilize the threaded inserts that are provided factory. On your Malibu Stealth-12 kayak that are located just behind your seat.

Step 1
Locate your threaded screw inserts (located behind your seat) and the third bungee cleat at the rear of your kayak.  These are the areas where the rear kayak bar will mount.  You will need to removethe rear bungee cable that is mounted around the cleats.

Step 2
Insert your rear kayak bar mounts onto your kayak.  This can be done by inserting the front mounts with stainless steel screws.  The rear mounts can be mounted to the clear using either and exterior wood screw.  See photos.

Step 3

Kayak stabilizer / outrigger made from PVC and float

When on the water nothing is more important then stability.  This is why when researching kayaks on the internet you will notice three main areas of focus.  How the kayak tracks, the speed of the kayak, and the stability of the kayak.  The stability part is important if you plan to stand up to fish, stretch, or plan to head out into rough water.  Sit on top kayaks now come in a variety of hull widths for this very reason.

If your kayak hull is not very wide and you are looking for additional stability when out on the water you can outfit your kayak with a stabilizers.  These are also sometimes referred to as an outrigger or pontoon.

In this article I will provide you step by step instructions of how to build your own kayak stabilizer / outrigger.

Tools Required:

Tape Measure

Sharpie

PVC Pipe Cutter

Channellock Pliers

Materials Required
Qty. 4 - Large lobster / crabbing buoys
Qty. 4 - 3/4" PVC Pipe Cap Fitting
Qty. 2 - 3/4" PVC Tee Fitting
Qty. 2 - 3/4" 45 degree PVC Fitting
Qty. 2 - 3/4" 90 degree PVC Fitting
3/4" PVC Pipe

Step 1
First you will need to determine what size lobster or crabbing buoys to get.  The size of the lobster or crabbing buoy will determine the overall buoyancy that the stabilizer / outrigger provides.  The larager the buoy, more the stability.  So if overall you have a fairly stable kayak, you may be able to use smaller buoys.

I purchased the large lobster buoys.  My reasoning for this is that I like to stand up when fishing.  So these will provide me the most stability when out on the water.  The bullet nose lobster buoys I purchased measure 13 3/4" long and 5 7/8" in diameter with a 1" hole.  The buoys provide approximately 11 lbs. of buoyancy per float.  So the buoys combined will provide an additional 44 lbs. of buoyancy.  The actual buoyancy per float is somewhat important; however, where they are placed on your kayak and how far out they extend from your kayak hull is the most important.

So do some research online and determine the best size and color of lobster or crabbing buoy that works for you.  The buoys can be purchased at a variety of online marine stores that specialize in lobstering, crabbing, floats, or bait baskets.





Orange lobster buoy used for stabilizer / outrigger



Orangle lobster buoy used for stabilizer / outrigger

Step 2

Determine where you are going to mount the stabilizer / outrigger on your kayak hull.  You will want to mount it closer to the middle of your kayak as that is where your kayak is the widest and it will provide the most stability.  This will also allow you to easily reach the stabilizer / outrigger when out on the water in the event you need to adjust it or raise and lower it.  Where ever you decide to locate it will depend on the arm length needed.  The longer the length of the arm, the larger the foot print on the water.  This will increase your over all stability.

When building my stabilizer / outrigger I chose the length of my arm to be 22".  Cut a 22" (or whatever length you feel works best) piece of 3/4" PVC pipe.  This piece of PVC pipe will then need to connect to a 90 degree PVC fitting and a 45 degree PVC fitting.  See photo below:

A - Down arm to float: 4 3/4"
B - Arm: 22"
C - Angle to arm: 4 3/4"

Stabilizer / outrigger arm


Step 3
Cut two pieces of 3/4" PVC pipe at 13" long.  Begin piecing together the stabilizer / outrigger by connecting each 13" piece of pipe into each end of a PVC tee fitting. Slide each lobster buoy on each piece of 3/4" PVC pipe.  Once each lobster buoy has been placed onto the PVC pipe you should have approximately 3/4" of pipe exiting out the end of the lobster buoy.  Place a 3/4" PVC cap fitting on each end of pipe.  You may want to hold the stabilizer / outfitter vertical and tap the caps on with a rubber mallet against a hard surface.  Your final stabilizer / outfitter should appear similar to the photo below.



Complete stabilizer / outrigger prior to connecting to outrigger arm

Step 4
In this final step we will mount the completed stabilizer / outrigger to your kayak.  This can be done by mounting it directly to the hull of your kayak or by desiging a structure to mount it to, therefore not altering the actual hull of your kayak.

How to make a rod holder from PVC pipe and fittings

After looking at multiple fishing rod and reel holder's and seeing the prices that were anywhere from $20 to $75 I figured there had to be a more simple solution for this.  So I looked into the options and figured I could possibly make one that I can customize to my needs.  

With a little bit of research and taking measurements of my fishing gear I determined a rod holder can easily be made from common PVC pipe and fittings that can found found at your local home improvement store.

If you are a do it yourself type of person you probably already have many of the tools required to complete the job in your garage or shop.

Tools Required:

Tape Measure

Sharpie

PVC Cutter / Hand saw

Channellock Pliers

PVC Parts List:

1" Tee Fitting - $0.88 each

1" Cross Fitting - $2.66 each

1" Pipe (10' in length) - $3.83 each

1" 90 degree elbow (optional for stand) - $0.68

1" PVC Tee Fitting

Photo of a 1" PVC tee fitting.  This fitting will be used as the base of the rod holder.  The butt of the fishing rod will rest in the tee fitting. 

1" PVC Cross Fitting

Photo of a 1" PVC cross fitting.  This fitting will be used as the top part of the rod holder.  This fitting will stabilize the rod and hold it vertical.  The 1" fitting should easily fit both freshwater and saltwater fishing rods.

1" PVC fittings indicating how they will be spaced to hold rod



 

Photo of the 1" PVC fittings and how they will be spaced for the fishing rod holder.  The base and the top fitting should be anywhere from 5 to 8 inches apart depending on how big your fishing rods are.

1" PVC Tee and Cross Fittings joined together by PVC pipe

Photo of the PVC fittings joined together with 1" pipe sections cut to length.  The length of pipe separating the fittings may vary depending on the size of fishing reel.  A safe length to use between fittings is 4 1/2 inches.  It is important to make sure the base and top fittings are spaced appropriately and aligned evenly.  This DIY rod holder configuration allows you to make a rod holder for how much fishing gear you have.  If you need to make it larger all that is required is to purchase more fittings and cut sections of pipe and the rod holder will store your additional gear.  This rod holder can easily be mounted to a wall in a garage or basement using the screw on pipe clamps.  

The base section and top section of the rod holder can be joined together by using additional tee fitting on the bottom and connecting the top section with a 90 degree elbow on each side.

The PVC rod holder can also be painted to look more appealing depending on where decide to locate it.

Malibu Stealth-12 Kayak rudder cable installation

In this article I will discuss how to install a rudder cable in the Malibu Stealth-12 Kayak in 5 easy steps.

The materials to complete this job can be purchased online or from your local home improvement store.

Materials Required:
16 ft. of 1/16" Stainless Steel Rudder Cable
2 Aluminum Ferrules
2 Aluminum Crimps


Step 1
Make sure you have two pieces of stainless steel rudder cable at least 8 ft. long.  If you are purchasing the stainless steel rudder cable at you local home improvement store, you can have them cut you two 8 ft. pieces.  If you purchased 16 ft. of rudder cable you will need to use cable cutters to cut the cable in half.


Step 2


Step 3


Step 4


Step 5

Malibu Stealth-12 Kayak rudder cable tube installation

In this article I will discuss how to install a rudder cable tube in the Malibu Stealth-12 Kayak in 6 easy steps.  Installing a rudder cable tube is an easy task as long as you have the proper tools.

The tools required to complete this task can be purchased at your local home improvement store or Wal-Mart.

Tools Required:
Drill
Drill bit
Scissors
Tape Measure
Sharpie

The materials to complete this job can be purchased online or from your local home improvement store.

Materials Required:
16 ft. of rudder cable tube


Step 1
Measure the 16 ft. piece of rudder cable tube in half and cut it with scissors.  This can be done by actually measuring it or just folding the cable in a half and cutting it evenly.


Step 2
Identify on your kayak where the rudder cable tube will need to be inserted.  It is best to start the installation of the rudder cable tube at the stern of the kayak.  This area is easy to identify on the stern of the Malibu Stealth-12 Kayak by the two flat indentations on the left and right side.  Using a sharpie, mark a dot in the center on the left and right sides of the kayak.


Step 3
Once the holes have been marked at the stern of the kayak, you will need to drill a hole using a drill and a 1/4" drill bit.  Depending on the diameter of your rudder cable tube you may need to size a drill bit to your tube appropriately.  You will want the tube to fit snug into the drilled hole.


Step 4
Open the dry storage compartments on the left and right side of the live well (casting platform).  Remove the dry storage compartment linings.  The storage compartment linings should just snap and lift out.

You will use this area to reach into the hull of the kayak to reach the rudder cable tube when you begin feeding it through the hull.  Please not when feeding the rudder cable tube through the hull it may be easier with two people as one person can wiggle and feed it as the other person grabs it.

Begin feeding the rudder cable tube through the drilled hole at the stern of the kayak.  Feed the cable through until approximately 1 ft. Of cable is still outside of the hull.  Once you are able to reach it from the middle of the kayak, pull all remaining slack that is in the hull and bring it outside of the dry storage compartment and let it sit.

Repeat step for the other side of the kayak.


Step 5
Once the rudder cable tube has been ran through the hull of the kayak on both sides, you will want to begin to identify the best location for the rudder cable tube to exit the kayak.  There are limited options on the Malibu Stealth-12 Kayak as the tube has to be ran around the storage compartments.

On the wall on the inside foot area of the hull mark a dot with a sharpie to indicate where the hole should be drilled for the rudder cable tube to exit the hull.   To fit my SmartTrack Toe Pilot Foot Control System I had to locate my holes at approximately _ up and 1/2" in from the edge. (Use caution when drilling to be certain you are clearing the side wall of the hull when drilling)

Step 6
Feed the rudder cable tube through the hull into the foot area of the kayak.  The rudder cable tube can be ran around the dry storage compartment and stored in the groove along the top of the inside of the hull.  Begin to feed the slack of the rudder cable tube through the hole you drilled in the hull of the kayak (See Step 5).

The rudder tube has not been properly installed.  At this point you will need to trim any additional slack and leave at least 1" to 2" at the stern of the kayak.  You will want to leave the necessary amount of slack at the front area of your kayak to properly feed your foot pedal controls.  The amount of length you leave at the front depending on the style of foot pedal controls you have.  The next step is to install the rudder cable.

Malibu Stealth-12 Kayak fishing rod holder made from PVC

Kayak fishing rod holder made from PVC...

Malibu Stealth-12 Kayak SmartTrack Toe Pilot Foot Control Install

In this article I will discuss how to install the SmartTrack Toe Pilot Foot Control System in the Malibu Stealth-12 Kayak in 7 easy steps.

The tools required to complete this task can be purchased at your local home improvement store or Wal-Mart.

Tools Required:
Drill
Drill bit
Allen wrench
Phillips screw driver

The materials to complete this job can be purchased online or from your local home improvement store.

Materials Required:
SmartTrack Toe Pilot Foot Control System


Step 1

Standard foot pedal and rail system on Malibu Stealth 12 Kayak

 

 

Photo of the standard foot pedal and rail system Malibu Stealth 12 Kayak

 

Step 2

Remove factory foot pedal and rail system with an allen wrench.  There are 3 allen screws that will need to be removed on each side.

 





Photo removing the standard and rail on Malibu Stealth 12 Kayak





 

Step 3

Photo after the factory foot pedal and rail system are removed from the kayak.  The left and right holes measure approxiamately 14 7/8" apart from one another.

 



Photo once standard foot pedal and rails have been removed

 

Step 4

The Smarttrack Rudder Vertical Adjustment Kit plate that will be used to mount the Smarttrack Foot Control System.  The vertical adjustment kit is required on the Malibu Stealth 12 kayak because the factory holes do not align with the foot control system rails and the Smatttrack control system will need to be raised.  The standard holes in the vertical adjustment kit will not align to the Kayaks pre-drilled holes that fit the factory rails.  This requires you to measure and drill new holes within the vertical adjustment kit(this allows you to not have to drill a hole in the hull of your kayak..  The new holes are approxiamately 14 7/8" apart from center. You should measure your kayak to verify that the measurement is accurate prior to drilling new holes in the vertical adjust kit.

 




Photo of the Vertical adjust kit plate for the Smarttrack Toe Pilot Control System

 

Step 5

Prior to installing the vertical adjustment kit to the new Smarttack Toe Pilot Foot Control System, mount the vertical adjustment kit after drilling the new holes to make sure everything aligns properly and the bottom of it sits level on the kayak.  Use the screws provided with the kit placing the rubber washers between the plate and the hull of the kayak.

 



Photo once the vertical adjustment kit plate drilled and installed

 

Step 6

After installing the vertical adjustment kit plate to the hull, mount the Toe Pilot Foot Control rails to the plate using the two screws that are provided with the foot control system.  Place the rubber washer between the plate and the rail of the foot control system.  The screws mounting the foot controls should be just above the hull of the kayak.




Photo of the Smarttrack Toe Pedal Control System mounted to the vertical adjustment kit plate

 

Step 7

Photo of the Toe Pilot Foot Control rails mounted to the vertical adjustment kit kit on the Malibu Stealth 12 Kayak prior to running the rudder/steering cables.

 



Photo of the installed foot control system prior to running rudder cable
 

Once both of the foot control rails have been mounted, you will need to install the rudder cable tube.

 

 

 

Tools required for DIY kayak projects using PVC

Common Tools used for DIY PVC Kayak Projects

The possibilities are endless when creating things from PVC pipe.  PVC pipe and fittings are no longer just used for plumbing jobs.  Furniture, art, irrigation systems, and even small building structures can all be made from PVC pipe.  As we all know, several accessories that aid us in the use of our kayak can be created from PVC pipe purchased at your local hardware store such as Lowe's or Home Depot.

Some common tools required for DIY PVC projects are:



Tape Measure used to measure PVC pipe

Tape Measure - Will be used to measure lengths of PVC pipe prior to cutting.  Will also be used to measure the depth of the insert of the PVC fittings.

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Sharpie used to mark PVC pipe prior to cutting

Sharpie - Will be used to properly mark the PVC pipe for cutting.



PVC Pipe Ratcheting Cutter

PVC Cutter Ratchet - Will be used to cut the PVC pipe.  The cutter will provide a clean and straight cut with minimal mess.  A variety of PVC cutters are available that will cut various sizes of PVC pipe.  This PVC Cutter will cut pipe up to 2" in diameter.

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Channellock Pliers used to grip PVC pipe from slip fittings

Channellock Pliers - When testing the length of the cut pipe it may be neccessary to remove the pipe from the fitting.  The pliers will be used to remove PVC from fittings if they fit too snuggly.

Miter box with hand saw - Will be required if the project you are working on requires you to cut PVC pipe that is bigger the the PVC Cutter ratchet.  The miter box is used to ensure you are cutting the pipe straight.  Both a miter box with hand saw or electric miter box can be used.  When cutting PVC pipe with a saw it will create more of a mess and not as a clean of a cut.

Plastic Hammer / Rubber Mallet -

PVC Primer

PVC Cement

Travel advantages with having a kayak

When driving down the road you can't help but notice a bright colored kayak on the roof top of a vehicle or in the bed of a truck.  Sometimes I have seen multiple kayaks on one vehicle.  I think to myself... wonder where they are going to?  Are they going on a casual float at the nearest river, to a lake, or to the ocean?  Are they going fishing?  One thing that is obvious is that traveling with a kayak looks fairly hassle free!  I believe that kayaks have many advantages when it comes to both traveling and fishing.  Some travel advantages to having a kayak are:

Loading/unloading - Traveling with a kayak can be done with one person, although it is sometimes easier with two people depending on the weight and length of your kayak.  When traveling with a kayak it is often stored on a roof top of a car or SUV or in a truck bed.  Because of a kayaks size it is easily lifted and loaded or unloaded from a vehicle.  Once loaded a kayak can easily be strapped down with bungee cords or ratchet tie downs.

Carrying - Kayaks typically weigh less then small boats or canoes, which allows for them to be carried by one person depending on the weight and length of your kayak.  Depending on the length an average kayak tends to weigh 40 to 60 pounds.  This weight and size allows one individual to carry it for short distances.  A common alternative to carrying a kayak is to use a kayak cart or kayak dolley.

Parking - Traveling with a kayak has several advantages over traveling with a boat.  Typically a kayak can be stored on the roof top of a car or SUV or in a truck bed.  This allows for easy parking at your destination.  Whether it is a hotel , condo, or public parking area parking is a breeze because the kayak will most likely only take up the footprint of your vehicle.

Traveling with a boat typically involves having a trailer pulled behind your vehicle.  Parking a trailer can sometimes be frustrating and at a lot of vacation destinations trailers are not allowed to be parked on site or additional daily fees are charged to park trailers.  Having a kayak avoids this inconvenience and the costs sometimes associated with it.

Storing - When traveling with a kayak storage is easy.  Kayaks can easily be stored on the roof top of your car or SUV or in the bed of your truck.  If storing overnight, locks are available to secure it and prevent theft.  If the location you are traveling happens to have  a garage, a kayak can easily be stored there as well.

Transporting - A kayak can be mounted on a J-bar Carrier or kayak saddles on a luggage rack.  This allows for easy transportation from one location to another once loaded.  J Carriers or kayak saddles can be purchased online.

Transporting a kayak may save you some money vs transporting a boat or canoe.  The money savings occurs because more then likely you will get better gas mileage or miles per gallon (mpg) when traveling with a kayak because of its small footprint.  Typically a boat requires a trailer to be transported and hauling a trailer will impact your gas mileage when traveling.

Overall traveling with a kayak has many advantages, especially for a frugal person who wants to be on the water fishing but does not want the price tag associated with a boat.  Kayaks are not necessarily for every fisherman , but they can be a more practical option in a lot of travel situations.

Kayak vs Boat for fishing

I happen to own both a boat and a kayak. There are definitely pros and cons with using each one to fish.

Travel Time
Boat - If getting to your fishing location on the water as quickly as you can a boat with a outboard motor is going to be your best bet.  Using a boat allows you to get to your favorite fishing spots a lot quicker.

Kayak - Perhaps your favorite fishing hole is not that far away and you can easily get there by paddling then a kayak will meet your needs.

When it comes to travel time on the water it is evident that a boat will get you to your favorite fishing hole faster!

Shallow water
Boat - I own a 17' Bass Tracker boat powered by a 60hp Mercury Jet outboard motor and the boat can get me to a lot of locations in the local rivers to fish.  However, in the heat of the summer when the water level in the river is low it can be a challenge navigating the waters because of how shallow the water is with rocks and debris.  Being the frugal person that I am... I cringe at the thought of ripping the hull of my boat open or dinging lower unit of my outboard against a rock.  The cost or cosmetic affect could be significant depending on what you strike.  The bottom line is the boat will get me into some shallow water but not as shallow of water as can be reached with a kayak.

Kayak - On the other hand I can pretty much get anywhere with my kayak.My kayak allows me to navigate easily over rock shelfs in the river water or the most shallow inlet areas at the beach.  Navigating shallow water in a kayak is fairly effortless with no need to worry about striking any rocks or debris because the hull only needs a minimum amount of clearance within the water.

When it comes to navigating shallow waters to reach your favorite fishing hole a kayak is your best bet!


Space
Boat - Having ample storage to store equipment and gear is a necessity, especially when you are out on the water for long days.  With the exception of basic jon boats and smaller bass boats many boats have a tremendous amount of storage in them.  It seems with each new year and model of boat the manufacturers find a way to create more storage compartments.

Registration

Maneuvering 

Cost

Transporting

Tips for selecting the proper kayak paddle

Tips for selecting the proper kayak paddle...

Types of kayaks

Types of kayaks...

Leaf blower powered kayak using PVC

Save money when buying a non-resident(out of state)fishing license

I often travel for week and weekend vacations.  I sometimes like to fish while on vacation, but often realize I do not have a fishing license for the state I am in.  This often leaves me either not fishing, purchasing a temporary non-resident fishing license (which can be pricey), or purchasing a year non-resident fishing license (which is even more pricey).

Not purchasing a fishing license - For a fisherman, this is not a good option.  This will usually mean more time and money spent shopping, dining out,  or other activities. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy all of those things.  However, something can be said for fishing in an area for different species of fish you don't often get to fish for. :)


Temporary Non-Resident Fishing License -  There are a couple of things to consider before purchasing a non-resident fishing license.

• Where to buy the temporary fishing license
• Length/duration of the temporary fishing license
• Cost of the temporary fishing license

Depending on where you are, the convenience of a Wal-Mart or local bait & tackle shop might not be readily available.  If this is your situation I would recommend using a map or GPS to determine if any of those places will be available to you to purchase a fishing license when you reach your vacation destination.
A lot of states now offer you the option to purchase a fishing license online at their DNR website.  Almost all sites require the basic information such as: name, address, date of birth (DOB), and driver's license number.  Keep in mind there are sometimes additional charges for processing payments made via credit card.  You will want to make sure you have a printer available to you as well to print the license information/receipt.

From state to state the length of the temporary fishing license may vary.

Year Non-Resident Fishing License -

Tips for selecting the proper kayak

If you are reading this blog post, you probably have already determined that want to buy a kayak.  Whether buying a kayak for casual use or for fishing there are a lot of things to take into consideration.

Here are some important things to considerconsideration when buying a kayak:

Type
There are various types of kayaks.  The two most popular and well known types are sit in kayaks (SIK) and sit on top (SOT) kayaks.  Determining which one is best for you will depend on a couple of factors.

I have owned both a sit in kayak and sit on top kayak.  In my opinion sit in kayaks are more limit you more.  In other words sit in kayaks limit you in the ability to customize the kayak to your needs, they limit your ability to stand or stretch out (sit in kayaks might not have enough leg room for a tall individual), and they limit the amount storage on your kayak.

On the other hand, sit on top kayaks are more easy to customize.  In particular the stern of the kayak allows for you to use a crate, create custom rod holder's using PVC pipe, or even place a bait bucket if your kayaks is not equipped with a live well.  Sit on top kayaks give a kayaker the ability to stretch and not be so confined.  A taller person may want to select a sit on top kayak for this reason.  If you are a tall person and have long legs getting into a sit in kayak can be cumbersome.  Depending on how you plan to use your kayak, the amount of storage it has can be important.

Length

Weight

Stability

Cost

Color

The visibility of your kayak on the water is something to consider.

Size
as in how much weghit in gear it supports