I was thinking about designing and building my own kayak lately, and I need the knowledge you guys have to get started. I've never owned a boat before, so I'm not sure what should be included in a kayak design.

What do you guys look for in a good fishing kayak for calmer bodies of freshwater? Pontoon v. conventional, flat bottom v. V-hull, rod holders, width, sit in or sit on top, etc. etc.

Any information will help, thanks!

Sit on top, slide trax, trunk for the junk (crate), scupper holes, handles and a comfy seat. I would keep it simple and light.

I agree, sit on top, comfortable seat, room for gear and try to keep it light. Also, stability.

I agree with the guys above.

For me, I like to fish a yak for a while
before I start futzing with design. I.e., 
I might like a rod holder here, but find
that it is better "there", and so on, but
only after a while of fishing out of it.

I have no experience building my own 
yak; however, so if I were to do so, I 
would like to have an elevated seat, 
a pontoon hull, tracks for attaching
all sorts of gear, a motor mount on the 
back (square end), possibly molded in
handles...off the top of my head.

Oh, and I'd build a wide wheel into the 
rear for easy transport.

Have you seen the Sawfish "unsinkable" kayak instructional? Might be helpful. Things I look for: good seat, open deck (for standing), rod holders, and gear storage. Good luck, and keep us up to date with how it's going.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Sawfish-foam-kayak-build-a-funtional-light-wieght-/

On 7/3/2016 at 9:38 PM, Darren. said:

I agree with the guys above.

For me, I like to fish a yak for a while
before I start futzing with design. I.e., 
I might like a rod holder here, but find
that it is better "there", and so on, but
only after a while of fishing out of it.

I have no experience building my own 
yak; however, so if I were to do so, I 
would like to have an elevated seat, 
a pontoon hull, tracks for attaching
all sorts of gear, a motor mount on the 
back (square end), possibly molded in
handles...off the top of my head.

Oh, and I'd build a wide wheel into the 
rear for easy transport.

You built a Feelfree Lure aside from the motor mount, though they're easily done on those  boats. Nice thinking though! I paddle one and absolutely love it!

2 hours ago, Flywatersmallie said:

You built a Feelfree Lure aside from the motor mount, though they're easily done on those  boats. Nice thinking though! I paddle one and absolutely love it!

Yeah, I did, didn't I. And I didn't even realize it
until you mentioned it. Although some of the
things I'd design a little differently (wider tire,
for one)...

I've often said they'd be on my short list should
I be in the market for another yak.  

Horizontal rod storage i.e. like Jackson kayaks have.