There are people in this area, Rim country above 5,000 ft elevation, that kayak year round. Over in Prescott the local kayak club apparently goes out and breaks ice on their ponds! I'm not that desperate, yet - LOL.
This is the season for working on my kayak. The next project is probably going to be a cradle that will allow me to set the kayak level on a set of sawhorses. Bending over with the kayak on the garage floor is too hard and some of the upcoming projects will require that the kayak be level or close to level so that the camera mounts can be pre-aligned.
There are also a small group of "it would be nice" projects that never got finished last summer. Woke up this morning with 8" of fresh snow on the ground. When this happens the Forest Service typically closes the access roads to the great lakes and reservoirs we normally would be kayaking on.
Will start posting in the next weeks or so with updates on new projects. Enjoy.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
New - Roof Rack
Here is a link to an article on my Kayak Website. It covers how I built an aluminum roof rack for my SUV to carry my kayak.
https://sites.google.com/site/herbskayak/additions-to-my-kayak/roof-rack
You can either read all of the how's and why's or just get to the DIY part.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Willow Springs Lake
Another fun day on the water. Today we went to Willow Springs Lake. Although not quite as large as some of the other lakes Willow Springs is a good lake to kayak on.
When we awoke this morning around 5:30 am the skies looked ominous. Dark clouds were coming in over the Rim and the radar showed heavy rains coming up from Payson. A further check, however, showed that between Payson and Phoenix was clearing with most of the weather moving further west.
Willow Springs Lake is up on the Rim and east of Payson on SR260 so we decided to wait out the worst of the rain and then load up the boats. After a half hour the rain stopped, we loaded the boats, and headed to the lake. Although the skies were pretty dark we launched and got out on the lake. Within about 10 minutes a light drizzle developed and out came the ponchos. The drizzle lasted about 45 minutes and stopped. Eventually the skies cleared and we had a blue sky, puffy white cloud day ahead of us. Glad we decided to head up to the lake.
The lake didn't have but one other boat on it, and that was my friend Barry and his brother Martin who had come to Pine last evening from California. They were in an inflatable rubber boat with an electric trolling motor. All was quite on the lake, just the way I like it.
As I quietly paddled along the shore I saw several blue heron and was able to glide close by for some good pictures. It almost seemed like they were posing. A little while later and further along the shore I saw two large birds high in a pine tree ahead of me. At first I thought maybe they were bald eagles as I had seen at Wood Canyon Lake. It turned out these were osprey as I got a clear look at them once they took wing. For the rest of the morning I could see them swoop down to the water and pick up fish every ten minutes or so.
Along one low part of the shore there were white-tailed kite. When they flew it was typically in a formation of 10 - 12 birds. They would fly from one end of the lake to the other and then return to where
they had started.
All along the shoreline were many beautiful scenes. The rock formations came down to the shore and often continues into the water. Trees along the shoreline were mirrored in the water along with many tree trunks that suggests that the water level has been much lower at some point in time.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Woods Canyon Lake
Had another fun day on the water. This time we went to Woods Canyon Lake up on the Mogollon Rim. It was ten degrees cooler than Payson which made for an 82 degree day on the water.
The wind was pretty strong at times and as I made my way from the spillway to the other end of the lake I kept thinking it would be a free ride back to the launching ramp area. Since it was a Friday the shore was crowded with campers who came down to the water's edge to cool off. It made it a bit hectic for the fishermen who had tried to space themselves comfortably along the shore.
Barry and Andy didn't get any fish, but I had a great time paddling. The upper end of the lake has some nesting bald eagles. There were several photographers with serious looking cameras and tripods located on a large rock shelf as well as several kayakers with cameras and big lenses, all watching to get a glimpse of the birds. As I was heading back to the launching area two of the eagles flew over head but I was too slow to get the camera ready and capture their soaring above me.
The wind was pretty strong at times and as I made my way from the spillway to the other end of the lake I kept thinking it would be a free ride back to the launching ramp area. Since it was a Friday the shore was crowded with campers who came down to the water's edge to cool off. It made it a bit hectic for the fishermen who had tried to space themselves comfortably along the shore.
Barry and Andy didn't get any fish, but I had a great time paddling. The upper end of the lake has some nesting bald eagles. There were several photographers with serious looking cameras and tripods located on a large rock shelf as well as several kayakers with cameras and big lenses, all watching to get a glimpse of the birds. As I was heading back to the launching area two of the eagles flew over head but I was too slow to get the camera ready and capture their soaring above me.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Finally - A great day at Blue Ridge Reservoir
Barry called Thursday night to ask if I wanted to go to Blue Ridge Reservoir on Friday. It turns out that Diana and I are headed to San Diego this coming Friday, which was when Barry abd I were supposed to be headed to Blue Ridge.
I had hoped to paddle on Blue Ridge for my first time out on open water with the Old Town Vapor 10 that I've had for several months now. Barry has an inflatable boat with an electric trolling motor.
Part of the trip was to go fishing for trout. Blue Ridge is stocked each year. Andy, who is an avid fisherman would be going too. Part of the reason for switching Fridays was that Blue Ridge is scheduled to be lowered so that they can work on one of the valves that controls the level of the water. We didn't want to miss a chance aince we don't know how much the wayer level will be lowered nor how quickly.
This was my first time out with the kayak and to a place I've visited but never boated on. I had been hoping to make Blue Ridge my first, and it was.
The day was all I hoped for. Great weather, not too hot, not too cold. We saw a few canoes, a few kayakers, and a couple of small fishing boats.
Barry and Andy caught a couple of trout. I brought my fishing pole, more to see how it worked trolling behind as I paddled than to worry about serious fishing on this trip.
I also got to try out my new waterproof camera. I took some movies with it, many still shots, and even some semi-submerged shots. All turned out fine. I'll post them on the website. High Def video from the bow of the kayak. Yes!
On the paddle back to the launching ramp a fellow in a small fishing boat steered toward me. He yelled out asking if I had a pair of diagonal cutters. I had just packed them that morning in one of my cargo bags. He had caught a 14" rainbow trout, but as he was taking the lure out the fish wiggled and one of the treble hooks got this guy in the palm of his hand.
It took a few tries, but we eventually got the hook cut with the cutters and slid the cut off hook through and out of his hand. All ended well.
When Barry, Andy and I were getting the boats out of the water, the fisherman came over and offered Andy the three trout that he had caught. Nice fellow. Andy likes to put the trout in his smoker for later eating.
I had hoped to paddle on Blue Ridge for my first time out on open water with the Old Town Vapor 10 that I've had for several months now. Barry has an inflatable boat with an electric trolling motor.
Part of the trip was to go fishing for trout. Blue Ridge is stocked each year. Andy, who is an avid fisherman would be going too. Part of the reason for switching Fridays was that Blue Ridge is scheduled to be lowered so that they can work on one of the valves that controls the level of the water. We didn't want to miss a chance aince we don't know how much the wayer level will be lowered nor how quickly.
This was my first time out with the kayak and to a place I've visited but never boated on. I had been hoping to make Blue Ridge my first, and it was.
The day was all I hoped for. Great weather, not too hot, not too cold. We saw a few canoes, a few kayakers, and a couple of small fishing boats.
Barry and Andy caught a couple of trout. I brought my fishing pole, more to see how it worked trolling behind as I paddled than to worry about serious fishing on this trip.
I also got to try out my new waterproof camera. I took some movies with it, many still shots, and even some semi-submerged shots. All turned out fine. I'll post them on the website. High Def video from the bow of the kayak. Yes!
On the paddle back to the launching ramp a fellow in a small fishing boat steered toward me. He yelled out asking if I had a pair of diagonal cutters. I had just packed them that morning in one of my cargo bags. He had caught a 14" rainbow trout, but as he was taking the lure out the fish wiggled and one of the treble hooks got this guy in the palm of his hand.
It took a few tries, but we eventually got the hook cut with the cutters and slid the cut off hook through and out of his hand. All ended well.
When Barry, Andy and I were getting the boats out of the water, the fisherman came over and offered Andy the three trout that he had caught. Nice fellow. Andy likes to put the trout in his smoker for later eating.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Great day today!
Diana and I went to several stores today. I don't think we have done that much shopping on a single day in ages.
First we went to Walmart. We were shopping for an inexpensive Slimline phone to use with our new NetTalk VOIP. That allows us to get rid of our landline and go with an Internet based phone system. While at Walmart we saw a package of three drybags of various sizes. Not heavy duty, but at least water-resistant. The bags have roll tops and should be handy for packing some of the loose stuff on deck and into the hull of the kayak.
Then we went to REI. What a surprise, there were hardly any parking spaces left in the lot. Today was the start of their Anniversary Sake with a 20% off coupon coming in the mail to members with the flyer. Some items in the store are also 15% (some kayaks) to 25% on some full priced items.
One thing that I saw that I think would be a good addition to my kayaking gear were the REI brand 10 x 26 waterproof binoculars. Diana "might" get those for my birthday - YEAH!
Actually went into the store to look for a pair of nylon cargo shorts. Cotton is comfortable but not good if you go into the water. Cotton will quickly absorb water and become very heavy.
Line was long at checkout, so we'll go back for the binoculars tomorrow. No luck on nylon shorts tough so we headed for Dick's Sporting Goods. Found a nice pair of nylon cargo shorts as well as two lightweight foldup chairs for less than $10.00 each.
First we went to Walmart. We were shopping for an inexpensive Slimline phone to use with our new NetTalk VOIP. That allows us to get rid of our landline and go with an Internet based phone system. While at Walmart we saw a package of three drybags of various sizes. Not heavy duty, but at least water-resistant. The bags have roll tops and should be handy for packing some of the loose stuff on deck and into the hull of the kayak.
Then we went to REI. What a surprise, there were hardly any parking spaces left in the lot. Today was the start of their Anniversary Sake with a 20% off coupon coming in the mail to members with the flyer. Some items in the store are also 15% (some kayaks) to 25% on some full priced items.
One thing that I saw that I think would be a good addition to my kayaking gear were the REI brand 10 x 26 waterproof binoculars. Diana "might" get those for my birthday - YEAH!
Actually went into the store to look for a pair of nylon cargo shorts. Cotton is comfortable but not good if you go into the water. Cotton will quickly absorb water and become very heavy.
Line was long at checkout, so we'll go back for the binoculars tomorrow. No luck on nylon shorts tough so we headed for Dick's Sporting Goods. Found a nice pair of nylon cargo shorts as well as two lightweight foldup chairs for less than $10.00 each.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Getting Anxious
Most of the upgrade projects for the kayak have been completed. Have all of the basic components: paddle, pfd, etc. The weather is warming up and have heard that the road into Blue Ridge Reservoir is open, although muddy in spots. Haven't had any new snow in a couple of weeks.
Yesterday some extra batteries arrived for the new camera, so I plan on taking some still pictures and maybe even video of the first real voyage. My wife is already talking about some sort of picnic outing, perhaps to some place like Woods Canyon Lake which is much more shore friendly for those not going out on the water.
Yesterday some extra batteries arrived for the new camera, so I plan on taking some still pictures and maybe even video of the first real voyage. My wife is already talking about some sort of picnic outing, perhaps to some place like Woods Canyon Lake which is much more shore friendly for those not going out on the water.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Kayak Hangar
After some frustration with the hook eye ends on the bungee cord and deck rigging I was ready for a simpler project. The kayak had been sitting on the garage floor for a couple of weeks now, waiting for a couple of small improvements. Since I am away most of the week, and having many other honey-do and other woodworking projects that are high priority, the kayak has been sitting idle most of the time.
The weather hasn't been cooperating either. I had hoped to get in some time on the water, but here in the high country the roads to the lakes were either snowed in or closed by the Forest Service to avoid making a mess out of them. An unexpected late 10" snowfall extended the closures for another week.
Getting the kayak off the floor and out of the saw dust and other projects way moved to the head of the list. If you can't go paddling, work on a better storage solution.
After looking at several ways to store the kayak, weighing costs and space requirements, I decided to use hangar straps from NRS. These came from Austin Canoe and Kayak and cost less than $20.00.
Details of where and how this was installed see Herb's Kayak.
The weather hasn't been cooperating either. I had hoped to get in some time on the water, but here in the high country the roads to the lakes were either snowed in or closed by the Forest Service to avoid making a mess out of them. An unexpected late 10" snowfall extended the closures for another week.
Getting the kayak off the floor and out of the saw dust and other projects way moved to the head of the list. If you can't go paddling, work on a better storage solution.
After looking at several ways to store the kayak, weighing costs and space requirements, I decided to use hangar straps from NRS. These came from Austin Canoe and Kayak and cost less than $20.00.
Details of where and how this was installed see Herb's Kayak.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Adding a bungee hold down
Yesterday was a bit frustrating. I thought it would be a simple installation, but one of the details took longer than expected.
The pad eyes were fairly easy to do, but putting the locking hook eye onto the ends of the bungee cord proved to take more time than I had anticipated. I tried contacting the manufacturer but seems they were out of the office till next week.
Thank goodness for the Internet. After checking several other manufacturers sites the critical step made finishing the project actually rather simple. Pictures of the installation and details on how to put close fitting ends on to bungee cords are on the website.
The pad eyes were fairly easy to do, but putting the locking hook eye onto the ends of the bungee cord proved to take more time than I had anticipated. I tried contacting the manufacturer but seems they were out of the office till next week.
Thank goodness for the Internet. After checking several other manufacturers sites the critical step made finishing the project actually rather simple. Pictures of the installation and details on how to put close fitting ends on to bungee cords are on the website.
Kayak Storage
Good day today. After installing the bungee cord hold down on the bow of the kayak yesterday I decided that today would be a good day to hang the kayak.
A couple of months ago I had ordered the NRS Kayak Hanger from Austin Canoe and Kayak. There are a number of interesting ways to store a kayak. Some are more expensive than others. Since I only have one kayak at present the type that are rigid, i.e. bolted to the wall or even free standing didn't offer the flexibility and price structure I was looking for.
I was able to simply drill two holes in the joists under a dry porch and put in two screw eyes. The straps have good hardware (S-hooks) and buckles that made lifting the kayak a few feet was really easy.
Details of the installation are available at the website - Herb's Kayak.
A couple of months ago I had ordered the NRS Kayak Hanger from Austin Canoe and Kayak. There are a number of interesting ways to store a kayak. Some are more expensive than others. Since I only have one kayak at present the type that are rigid, i.e. bolted to the wall or even free standing didn't offer the flexibility and price structure I was looking for.
I was able to simply drill two holes in the joists under a dry porch and put in two screw eyes. The straps have good hardware (S-hooks) and buckles that made lifting the kayak a few feet was really easy.
Details of the installation are available at the website - Herb's Kayak.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Weather in Pine
Yesterday Diana and I went to town and to the Ponderosa Market. While at the checkout one of the customers was talking about taking his boat to Blue Ridge Reservoir today. I think the road is still closed.
This morning I think the road will definitely not be open, we had about 6" of snow overnight here at 5,500 foot elevation. The weather prediction is for up to 12" up on the Rim, which is 7,000' elevation. If the boater was up at the reservoir on the Rim, he may be there for a couple of days.
This morning I think the road will definitely not be open, we had about 6" of snow overnight here at 5,500 foot elevation. The weather prediction is for up to 12" up on the Rim, which is 7,000' elevation. If the boater was up at the reservoir on the Rim, he may be there for a couple of days.
Picture Problem
After a long hike last weekend in warmer than expected weather I accidentally left my small digital camera in a lower pocket of my cargo pants. Since everything was soaked with perspiration I immediately did a load of wash. It wasn't until I was transferring the clothes to the dryer that I noticed something heavier in the pants. The LCD viewfinder on the back of the camera looked like a fishbowl, about half full of water.
I liked the camera, a Panasonic Lumix so I am looking at newer versions of the same camera. A couple of surprises. The original camera was 5 years old and the current model in the same range is now waterproof to 60 feet under water and is shockproof (dropped) safe up to 6 feet.
A waterproof camera is something I'm interested in for kayaking obviously. It also takes HD video as well as stills with over twice the pixels as my old camera. I had been looking at the HERO camera which is more oriented to video than stills, but in the same price range.
A bit more looking at reviews, etc is in order before deciding. The HERO is used by many kayakers to record their adventures and there are numerous YouTube videos to look at.
I liked the camera, a Panasonic Lumix so I am looking at newer versions of the same camera. A couple of surprises. The original camera was 5 years old and the current model in the same range is now waterproof to 60 feet under water and is shockproof (dropped) safe up to 6 feet.
A waterproof camera is something I'm interested in for kayaking obviously. It also takes HD video as well as stills with over twice the pixels as my old camera. I had been looking at the HERO camera which is more oriented to video than stills, but in the same price range.
A bit more looking at reviews, etc is in order before deciding. The HERO is used by many kayakers to record their adventures and there are numerous YouTube videos to look at.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Small Addition
Had a great week up in Pine. The weather was beautiful, hitting 80 degrees a couple of the days while it also hit 100 in the Valley. It is hard to imagine that the road to Blue Ridge Reservoir is still closed.
Blue Ridge is up on the Rim which is about 2,000 feet higher in elevation. The Winter snow pack is still evident up there. Our neighbors come up from Phoenix via I-17 to Camp Verde and then across SR 260 through Strawberry. Tom said that there was still snow at the intersection where you turn to come down through Strawberry and into Pine.
I had hoped to do more work on the kayak while up here but spent most of my time adding an access door to the space under the front decking. In the process we're replacing the wooden lattice with more durable plastic lattice made from recycled milk bottles. This will provide a place to store the kayak out of the weather.
Wednesday morning I did manage to install the drain plug on the kayak. This was another item available from Austin Canoe and Kayak. There was already a pad in the hull so that where to mount it was not an issue. Check out the website to see more.
Blue Ridge is up on the Rim which is about 2,000 feet higher in elevation. The Winter snow pack is still evident up there. Our neighbors come up from Phoenix via I-17 to Camp Verde and then across SR 260 through Strawberry. Tom said that there was still snow at the intersection where you turn to come down through Strawberry and into Pine.
I had hoped to do more work on the kayak while up here but spent most of my time adding an access door to the space under the front decking. In the process we're replacing the wooden lattice with more durable plastic lattice made from recycled milk bottles. This will provide a place to store the kayak out of the weather.
Wednesday morning I did manage to install the drain plug on the kayak. This was another item available from Austin Canoe and Kayak. There was already a pad in the hull so that where to mount it was not an issue. Check out the website to see more.
Monday, March 28, 2011
New Kayak Port
We took the kayak to Pine this weekend. Most of my tools are up in Pine and it will make it easier to work on it there. While we were in Pine another package arrived from Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK). Those people sure ship fast.
Our friend Jean took the package in for us rather than leave it on the doorstep in Tempe. When she brought it over this morning she said that she and her son almost opened the box. She thought that it was a case of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies! I had to tell her that ACK recycles boxes and packaging materials. I like that they do that. Everything I've ordered from them has arrived safe and intact without peanuts or other non-recyclable materials used.
I'll document adding the new parts to the kayak on the website.
One of the items that came in the package was water slippers. I hadn't thought about the need for these before, but when I saw the price from ACK I couldn't resist. I was VERY reluctant to spend $69.00 that they were advertised for at some stores, but $9.00 seemed more like it. It turns out that they were AquaLung brand which I had seen in other stores. Luckily ACK had them in my size too.
Our friend Jean took the package in for us rather than leave it on the doorstep in Tempe. When she brought it over this morning she said that she and her son almost opened the box. She thought that it was a case of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies! I had to tell her that ACK recycles boxes and packaging materials. I like that they do that. Everything I've ordered from them has arrived safe and intact without peanuts or other non-recyclable materials used.
I'll document adding the new parts to the kayak on the website.
One of the items that came in the package was water slippers. I hadn't thought about the need for these before, but when I saw the price from ACK I couldn't resist. I was VERY reluctant to spend $69.00 that they were advertised for at some stores, but $9.00 seemed more like it. It turns out that they were AquaLung brand which I had seen in other stores. Luckily ACK had them in my size too.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Picked up Two Open Base Cleats
The hull of the kayak is clean and smooth. One of the activities planned for the kayak is to paddle across and/or upstream whatever body of water I'm on and go ashore to do some exploring. Since the kayak is reasonably light in most cases it might be OK to pull the kayak onto the shore.
This might not be the best solution all of the time. Even pulling the kayak onto the bank can be problematic if the water level fluctuates. Tieing the boat off with a dock line would be good insurance. I recently picked up 25' of docking line, but where to attach it to the kayak could be a problem.
Although there are lifting handles at the ends of the kayak, these are basically out of reach when you are in the cockpit and seated. Once again, the fisherman's model of the Old Town Vapor 10 has cleats that are more accessible from the cockpit.
A quick trip to Bass Pro, the same place where I purchased a number of the other rigging accessories set me up with two 4" cleats. They are in the kayaking section of the store, not the larger boating portion.
Installation will follow after a little sitting and reaching from the kayak to determine a best placement.
This might not be the best solution all of the time. Even pulling the kayak onto the bank can be problematic if the water level fluctuates. Tieing the boat off with a dock line would be good insurance. I recently picked up 25' of docking line, but where to attach it to the kayak could be a problem.
Although there are lifting handles at the ends of the kayak, these are basically out of reach when you are in the cockpit and seated. Once again, the fisherman's model of the Old Town Vapor 10 has cleats that are more accessible from the cockpit.
A quick trip to Bass Pro, the same place where I purchased a number of the other rigging accessories set me up with two 4" cleats. They are in the kayaking section of the store, not the larger boating portion.
Installation will follow after a little sitting and reaching from the kayak to determine a best placement.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Cutting Holes in Boat
I was a little worried about cutting a hole in the hull of the kayak in order to mount the Fishing Rod Holder. Something about putting a 2" diameter hole in a new boat.
After looking at the rod holder it also dawned on me that although it was a cylinder it would be mounted at an angle. Thus the hole needed to be an ellipse rather than a plain circle. A little work on my CAD computer program, however, quickly solved the problem and produced an accurate cutting template. I'll add the template to the website (https://sites.google.com/site/herbskayak/).
Since I have a fly rod as well as a spin casting rod, I've decided to put only one flush rod holder on the kayak. I may add a fly rod holder to the other side later (fly rods use a different type of holder.)
After looking at the rod holder it also dawned on me that although it was a cylinder it would be mounted at an angle. Thus the hole needed to be an ellipse rather than a plain circle. A little work on my CAD computer program, however, quickly solved the problem and produced an accurate cutting template. I'll add the template to the website (https://sites.google.com/site/herbskayak/).
Since I have a fly rod as well as a spin casting rod, I've decided to put only one flush rod holder on the kayak. I may add a fly rod holder to the other side later (fly rods use a different type of holder.)
A Fun Day
Today is the day I got started doing mods to the kayak. First I added the Fishing Rod Holder. Took some pictures and will write up how it was done later tonight. Then I added the rear hatch cover that came via FedEx the other day.
Both projects went along OK. The poly material that the Old Town kayak is made of drills and cuts easily. The hatch cover came with some good tips for easy installation.
I think I'll do the paddle holder next followed by the bungee cord criss-cross hold-down for the front deck of the boat. This will take some thinking though since there are no direct instructions on this one.
Both projects went along OK. The poly material that the Old Town kayak is made of drills and cuts easily. The hatch cover came with some good tips for easy installation.
I think I'll do the paddle holder next followed by the bungee cord criss-cross hold-down for the front deck of the boat. This will take some thinking though since there are no direct instructions on this one.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Pictures
Started taking pictures of the kayak yesterday. Goal is to document progress on outfitting the boat. Also want to incorporate step-by-step to make the how-to's easier to follow.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Boat Sponge
Not the most high tech addition to the kayak, but even after spending just a little time on the water it looked like a sponge was a necessary addition. Approximately 3" x 4.5" x 7" this was an "official" boat sponge. Similar to what I use to wash the car, very thirsty and easy to wring out. Less than $4.00.
Kayak Cockpit Cover
The Seal brand cockpit cover arrived this afternoon via UPS. After shopping around online and in stores (few stores carry these) I settled on Campmor. Campmor had the best price by far, $19.95. Use the Seals Sizing Chart to find your brand and model of kayak.
Seal makes two lines of covers. A more heavy duty one (Seals Cockpit Seal) is intended for use when transporting the kayak on a vehicle and comes with an additional strap to secure it around the hull of the kayak. One reviewer said that it wasn't worth the extra $10.00. Campmor also sells this model, Seals Cockpit Seal.
My main reason for adding the Seals cockpit cover was to keep dirt, dust, and critters (hornets, bees, and other small four footed ones) out of the kayak when it is stored.
Comment: It takes quite an effort to stretch the cover and bungee cord over the cockpit, extra hands would be helpful, but eventually got it in place. Hint: After unpacking spread the cover out so that the bungee cord gets distributed evenly through the sewn in hem before trying to fit it to the cockpit. It will be a tight fit.
Seal makes two lines of covers. A more heavy duty one (Seals Cockpit Seal) is intended for use when transporting the kayak on a vehicle and comes with an additional strap to secure it around the hull of the kayak. One reviewer said that it wasn't worth the extra $10.00. Campmor also sells this model, Seals Cockpit Seal.
My main reason for adding the Seals cockpit cover was to keep dirt, dust, and critters (hornets, bees, and other small four footed ones) out of the kayak when it is stored.
Comment: It takes quite an effort to stretch the cover and bungee cord over the cockpit, extra hands would be helpful, but eventually got it in place. Hint: After unpacking spread the cover out so that the bungee cord gets distributed evenly through the sewn in hem before trying to fit it to the cockpit. It will be a tight fit.
Taking Pictures
Took some photos of the flat lands on the kayak. This is where the fishing rod holder will go. The basic Vapor 10 has the same hull as the more equipped XT and fisherman's models. This should make placement much easier, plus the flat area will make the gasket seal much better than if the surface was curved.
It Works
OK, the blog is linked from the Kayaking website, https://sites.google.com/site/herbskayak/
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