I have a 12" sit in Kayak that's not to stable, even while sitting. Do you Kayakers' have any cheap mods' to improve the stability of my yak? Its pretty nice for the price, and i soon want to get a $100-$130 fish finder to put on it. Maybe even figure out how to a small tolling motor on too! 

But anyway, if any of you can give me suggestion of how to do this, and better yet post pics of your modifications of any type that would be awesome.

Add outriggers. Google "DIY Kayak outriggers".

Cheap outriggers would help with stability.  However, instead of throwing a bunch of accessories on a junk kayak I would save up for one that is built for fishing or at least more stable.  Check out craigslist in the fall for used kayaks. 

 

If you think it is unstable now wait until you add more weight with a fish finder and trolling motor with a battery. 

An 12" kayak is way too small... no wonder it isn't stable.

An 12" kayak is way too small... no wonder it isn't stable.

Beat me to it lol.

Actually, a kayak's stability is only partially influenced by it's length.  Each kayak hull has its own unique stability characteristics relative to it's intended use.  What was omitted from the OP was the actual dimensions of the kayak referenced and the brand/model.  If the hull is 12' long, but is 33" wide with a pontoon or tri-hull design, then it is plenty stable.  The biggest stability factor then becomes the angler themselves relative to their overall height, weight and equilibrium.

 

For all we know, the kayak the OP is talking about is a 12' kids sea kayak or a hull that has a rounded profile to it which would lead to inherent lack of primary stability.  If it does not have any chines or angles to the hull profile, then there is no "obvious" tipping point for the paddler and they will flip with even the slightest off balance paddling technique.

 

Making a general statement that a 12' kayak is unstable is actually incorrect.  You have to know all the facts first.

 

For example, I have paddled a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 in the ocean with 1-2' chop, a pond and on a river - never flipped it once loaded with gear.  It was only 28" wide.   Is it intended for standing and casting?  No, but I know several accomplished kayak anglers that do it all the time.  FWIW, I also currently paddle a Hobie Quest 13 - a 13'1" hull that is 28.5" wide - haven't flipped it and can rock side to side with no issue.

 

Know your kayak's hull design and stability characteristics, intended use and your own limitations before heading out on the water.

HY, they were playing with the mistakenly typed 12 INCH vice 12 FOOT  (12" vs. 12')

Add outriggers. Google "DIY Kayak outriggers".

This

Actually, a kayak's stability is only partially influenced by it's length. Each kayak hull has its own unique stability characteristics relative to it's intended use. What was omitted from the OP was the actual dimensions of the kayak referenced and the brand/model. If the hull is 12' long, but is 33" wide with a pontoon or tri-hull design, then it is plenty stable. The biggest stability factor then becomes the angler themselves relative to their overall height, weight and equilibrium.

For all we know, the kayak the OP is talking about is a 12' kids sea kayak or a hull that has a rounded profile to it which would lead to inherent lack of primary stability. If it does not have any chines or angles to the hull profile, then there is no "obvious" tipping point for the paddler and they will flip with even the slightest off balance paddling technique.

Making a general statement that a 12' kayak is unstable is actually incorrect. You have to know all the facts first.

For example, I have paddled a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 in the ocean with 1-2' chop, a pond and on a river - never flipped it once loaded with gear. It was only 28" wide. Is it intended for standing and casting? No, but I know several accomplished kayak anglers that do it all the time. FWIW, I also currently paddle a Hobie Quest 13 - a 13'1" hull that is 28.5" wide - haven't flipped it and can rock side to side with no issue.

Know your kayak's hull design and stability characteristics, intended use and your own limitations before heading out on the water.

Thank you Mr. Peabody...

;-)

Thank you Mr. Peabody...

;-)

LoL~ He's got a bit of knowledge 

Chuck (AKA Mr. Peabody  ) is 100% correct. It is all about hull design, My Trident 13 is only 29.5" wide and I stand in it all of the time. 

Mine actually is not even remotely designed for fishing, its really just for KAYAKING/PADDLING.   But i'll probably just put out riggers on it and it will be good enough untill i can get a new one.

My first kayak was a total p.o.s. sit in, but it got me on the water and that's all that mattered.

I'd save the time and money and have my eyes set on a sit on top.

There is little to no reason to own a sit inside in Florida.

Well. ....except they're cheap. Lol.

You'll be alot happier with a sit on top.