Jump to content

Recommended Posts

  • Super User
Posted

So I am ordering my new kayak on Sunday so I get it in for April when the ice thaws. An Old Town Sportman Bigwater 132 PDL. I demo’d a bunch and liked the Bigwater because it was the fastest and I felt I was able to stand well enough in some decent current.

 

I already got a Blackpak Pro 13x16 to replace my original with the lip that makes it dysfunctional for 3700 boxes and my new fish finder, a GpsMap 943xsv.

 

Getting my kid one too for his graduation present.


Just thought I’d share, pretty exciting!

 

What I do need to figure out is how do I put the non pontoon style hull on my rack and roll trailer. I have seen them on a rack and roll in front of a store on some thick foam pads. I’d like to find the same pads but maybe if all else fails, pool noodles?

  • Like 15
  • Super User
Posted

Congrats on the purchase. I'm now sold on Old Town after buying my Autopilot 120.

 

I have a Malone Ecolight trailer with the bunks and I have to tell you that it took me a while to get the trailer et up correctly so I could load my heft kayak by myself. I even tried a roller and a T-Wing but it was still a pain.

 

So I went back to the bunks and changed from a C-Tug cart to a Wilderness Systems heavy duty cart. With the cart attached I can get the nose on the bunks, then I get behind the kayak, lift and push to get most of it on the bunks, release the cart, then push it the rest of the way on.

 

I thought about trying to strap it down without bunks but I was worried it would end up sliding even a bit and put too much shearing force on the straps.

 

So my suggestion for you is to get some PVC pipe that fits the width of your pontoon hull and bolt those to the trailer. RightOn trailers has a PVC bunk kit for $19.99 that might work for your trailer. You still have to buy the PVC and their kit provides the hardware. At the very least the link below should give you some ideas.

 

https://rightontrailer.com/product/kayak-trailer-bunks-dyi-pvc-tube-kit/

 

 

  • Like 1
  • Super User
Posted
26 minutes ago, Koz said:

So my suggestion for you is to get some PVC pipe that fits the width of your pontoon hull and bolt those to the trailer. RightOn trailers has a PVC bunk kit for $19.99 that might work for your trailer. You still have to buy the PVC and their kit provides the hardware. At the very least the link below should give you some ideas.

 

https://rightontrailer.com/product/kayak-trailer-bunks-dyi-pvc-tube-kit/

I should mention I have the Yakima Rack & Roll trailer with the 78" bars. It's actually very easy for me to solo load as long as I don't have to get my kayaks onto the stands when I get home (which is a 2 man job). My current kayaks have the catamaran style hulls and they'll sit right on the bars with no issues.

 

This might be a good idea for me. I think I'd still prefer foam in case I go out with my other kid who has a Voodoo, but it's possible that could sit on the same pipes as a Bigwater, it is a soft V sort of shape.

 

Grats on the Autopilot. Those are very nice. And Old Towns are well priced and reliable too. I was pretty impressed with my kid's Topwater 120 as well. I thought it performed very well, it was easier to stand in than my Bonafide in chop because it's much less rickety and I can definitely paddle it faster. There are things about the Bonafide I will miss like the ability to lay rods on the deck which doesn't work with pedals but the rod holder up front is a nice feature to set a rod down, and the center mount fish finder - I have an idea using the Bigwater's mounting plates.

 

I am also wondering if foam pads like this might work.

https://www.amazon.com/Saris-Protect-Pads-Set-4/dp/B000C15GVU

  • Like 1
Posted

I have the same kayak (they used to call it the Predator PDL) and there's definitely some contour to the hull.  While I have pool noodles covering the PVC pipe 'cradle' on my homemade cart, I don't think I'd recommend it on bunks for you're sliding the kayak across them.  And since a loaded kayak like that is pretty easy to exceed 150 lbs, I'd assume you're going to want to slide it.  I think the same goes for all foam - not always, but generally it's not the best material for sliding things across.  Foam compresses, conforms tightly to the load against it, and increases friction, which usually means that it will want to come off.  If you're laying the load on it, it is a great, protective material.

 

With that trailer, especially since it can fold up (not sure if that's important to you), why not go with some cradles?  I've got the Yakima Big Catch, but there might be others that work just ad well.  

  • Like 1
  • Super User
Posted

I agree with @CountryboyinDC that you will probably have issues with the foam, especially trying to slide a heavy kayak across those blocks.

 

My old Seastream Angler pedal drive was just under 100 lbs without the pedal drive and although a bit unwieldy I didn't have any problems getting it on and off the trailer. Before it arrived, I wasn't too concerned with the added 50 pounds of the Autopilot. I was dead wrong.

 

Between the extra weight and the wider and rounder bow it was a lot more difficult to trailer. I also need to connect my trailer to my Bronco before attempting to load it or unload it. I live on a lake so I launch from my backyard most of the time but I prefer to keep my kayak trailered instead of sitting in the yard when it's not in use.

  • Like 2
  • Super User
Posted
9 hours ago, Boomstick said:

There are things about the Bonafide I will miss like the ability to lay rods on the deck which doesn't work with pedals but the rod holder up front is a nice feature to set a rod down, and the center mount fish finder - I have an idea using the Bigwater's mounting plates.

 

I use these in my autopilot and would never go back to anything but another horizontal rod holder. There is another one out, I thought Yak Attack but don't see it now, that is a more robust option with a little bit of adjustability.  I think it was 2x the price of the MS one below but if I were starting from scratch I'd probably look at it.

 

https://www.mariner-sails.com/ms-horizontal-rod-holders.html

 

I'm with the guys above about sliding on foam (especially lengthwise).  I have a bed extender that I wrapped with pool noodle and duct tape.  I lift one end up onto the extender, move to the other end, and slide the boat the 2' to hit the truck bed.  The friction to slide it on the extender is a lot and that's only a 6" wide strip.  I use PVC pipe on my garage cart and added some carpet from a cut up entrance mat from Lowes.  It slides right across it into the truck bed and back with ease.  I used gorilla glue spray to hold the carpet down and 3 years on its in good shape.  For a trailer that you're going to wet launch I think carpet is the right material to have in contact with the boat but straight PVC is an option too.

  • Like 1
  • Super User
Posted
5 hours ago, CountryboyinDC said:

I have the same kayak (they used to call it the Predator PDL) and there's definitely some contour to the hull.  While I have pool noodles covering the PVC pipe 'cradle' on my homemade cart, I don't think I'd recommend it on bunks for you're sliding the kayak across them.  And since a loaded kayak like that is pretty easy to exceed 150 lbs, I'd assume you're going to want to slide it.  I think the same goes for all foam - not always, but generally it's not the best material for sliding things across.  Foam compresses, conforms tightly to the load against it, and increases friction, which usually means that it will want to come off.  If you're laying the load on it, it is a great, protective material.

 

With that trailer, especially since it can fold up (not sure if that's important to you), why not go with some cradles?  I've got the Yakima Big Catch, but there might be others that work just ad well.  

I have a Big Catch, but I can only fit one kayak on the trailer when I use it with my currently narrower kayaks.

 

I think the SweetRoll might fit at the ends of the bars and that might work but two of those are $600 too, hoping  to find something cheaper. I might be able to get some for $150 a pop on FB Marketplace, plus gas to get them.

 

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

I use these in my autopilot and would never go back to anything but another horizontal rod holder. There is another one out, I thought Yak Attack but don't see it now, that is a more robust option with a little bit of adjustability.  I think it was 2x the price of the MS one below but if I were starting from scratch I'd probably look at it.

 

https://www.mariner-sails.com/ms-horizontal-rod-holders.html

I know I am that person who would set down a rod and drop it in the water with one of those.

  • Like 1
Posted
24 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

I think the SweetRoll might fit at the ends of the bars and that might work but two of those are $600 too, hoping  to find something cheaper. I might be able to get some for $150 a pop on FB Marketplace, plus gas to get them.

Prices have gotten crazy - I told a guy that stackers (I do whitewater too) should cost around $100.  He looked on his phone and showed it to me - around $200.

 

I don't have any feedback on this one, just saw it on a decked-out Malone trailer the launch parking lot.  https://maloneautoracks.com/MegaWing-SOT-TM-Large-Fishing-Kayak-Wing-Carrier.html  It may allow you to get another kayak on the trailer, depending on the real estate you have (I know you said it's got 6'6" bars, but that doesn't always translate to usable space).

  • Super User
Posted
23 minutes ago, CountryboyinDC said:

Prices have gotten crazy - I told a guy that stackers (I do whitewater too) should cost around $100.  He looked on his phone and showed it to me - around $200.

 

I don't have any feedback on this one, just saw it on a decked-out Malone trailer the launch parking lot.  https://maloneautoracks.com/MegaWing-SOT-TM-Large-Fishing-Kayak-Wing-Carrier.html  It may allow you to get another kayak on the trailer, depending on the real estate you have (I know you said it's got 6'6" bars, but that doesn't always translate to usable space).

I'd fit them but these are only 27" wide though.

 

I found a Yakima SweetRoll on FB marketplace for $100, but it'd cost me $100 in gas. Maybe I can convince the seller to ship, still should be a good price at least.

 

I am also going to ask the shop when I order my kayaks. I saw some super thick foam bar pads on a rack and roll trailer before and if I can find those I am confident that will work adequately. It's probably still thicker foam than if I took a small pool noodle and then wrapped a big one around that, I mean it was a lot.

  • Super User
Posted
1 hour ago, Boomstick said:

I have a Big Catch, but I can only fit one kayak on the trailer when I use it with my currently narrower kayaks.

 

I think the SweetRoll might fit at the ends of the bars and that might work but two of those are $600 too, hoping  to find something cheaper. I might be able to get some for $150 a pop on FB Marketplace, plus gas to get them.

 

I know I am that person who would set down a rod and drop it in the water with one of those.

 

Ha!  Maybe so.  It does have an elastic band on both racks which I use when I start in the morning, when I finish for the day, and when I'm making a longer run anywhere that there's a potential for boat wake or waves.  I don't bother on electric only lakes. I've only 'lost' one rod.  I was fishing at night and was landing a fish.  I set down the rod with the fish and the butt went underneath the last rod on the rack and lifted it out.  I didn't hear the plop but after I released the fish I looked down and saw something wasn't right.  I have pretty bright nav lights on the front of the boat and was only in 6' of water.  The tip sank but the butt of the rod was buoyant between the cork and the air inside the blank.  No harm no foul.  That's not bad for over 1000 hours of using it.

 

The other one I mentioned but didn't link has the ability to slide back towards the seat more and only 2 of the rods are overhanging if that helps you.  Otherwise you're vertical in the blackpak. 

  • Super User
Posted
1 minute ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

Ha!  Maybe so.  It does have an elastic band on both racks which I use when I start in the morning, when I finish for the day, and when I'm making a longer run anywhere that there's a potential for boat wake or waves.  I don't bother on electric only lakes. I've only 'lost' one rod.  I was fishing at night and was landing a fish.  I set down the rod with the fish and the butt went underneath the last rod on the rack and lifted it out.  I didn't hear the plop but after I released the fish I looked down and saw something wasn't right.  I have pretty bright nav lights on the front of the boat and was only in 6' of water.  The tip sank but the butt of the rod was buoyant between the cork and the air inside the blank.  No harm no foul.  That's not bad for over 1000 hours of using it.

 

The other one I mentioned but didn't link has the ability to slide back towards the seat more and only 2 of the rods are overhanging if that helps you.  Otherwise you're vertical in the blackpak. 

I do at least have the front rod holder to set one rod down, which is basically a godsend for a pedal kayak.

 

With my current setup, unless I bring out a ton of rods (more than I have vertical storage for), I will rarely keep more than just two up front, that is the one in my hand and one to quickly switch to. Maybe I can mount one of those Yakattack rod/paddle holders on the other mounting plate or atop the pedals or something, or just get used to one in the rod holder and one in my hand.

  • Super User
Posted
15 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

I do at least have the front rod holder to set one rod down, which is basically a godsend for a pedal kayak.

 

With my current setup, unless I bring out a ton of rods (more than I have vertical storage for), I will rarely keep more than just two up front, that is the one in my hand and one to quickly switch to. Maybe I can mount one of those Yakattack rod/paddle holders on the other mounting plate or atop the pedals or something, or just get used to one in the rod holder and one in my hand.

 

I stand to fish and fish 360 degrees in mine, so having anything vertical is a no-no.  Having one in the vertical/forward rod holder would drive me nuts.  I typically carry 5 rods- 4 laid down and one in my hand.  If I need to set down number 5 I have 4 holders (each side, front and back) built in to put it in.  I'll do that to tie line or land fish.

 

One option for you would be to mount a 'mighty mount' rail.  They are about 3" and big enough for a single mounting point item.  You could then add a rail mounted holder of your choice and put it basically anywhere.  That's how I started with mine.  I put one on each side of the seat (on the boat, not the seat) and put two yak attack omegas facing backwards.  That gave me a 3-rod solution.  Later I mounted the horizontal holder to the port side mighty mount (and the port front rail) and left an Omega on the starboard, but I used that to hold my net when its open.

  • Super User
Posted
8 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

One option for you would be to mount a 'mighty mount' rail.

I have a mighty mount to put on a mounting plate for a fish finder. I could add another and mount a rotogrip on a raised pole which I've seen people use.

 

I also have to figure out my net. I got myself a Bear Claw net for this year, it seems to be easier on my current kayak. I'm hoping I can find a place up front where I can still grab it easily on the Bigwater like I did on my SS127.

  • Super User
Posted

Congrats on the new ride @Boomstick.  I am not a kayak guy but its hard to beat the feeling of anticipation when a big new item like that is acquired.

  • Like 1
  • Super User
Posted

@casts_by_fly One thing that I did find that I plan on buying with it is these track upgrades where I can store pliers or hang lures to dry. Since I won't have the tray beneath the seat, this will be a nice alternative for that.


https://pacificyakangler.com/collections/custom-old-town-replacement-parts/products/custom-starboard-pya-beefy-rails-for-old-town-bigwater-132-pdl-front-track-price-is-per-track

 

I'll also get one way scupper plugs and the scupper plug transducer mount which keeps it mounted nice and high and protected and sidevu is still supposed to work just fine.

  • Super User
Posted
36 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

@casts_by_fly One thing that I did find that I plan on buying with it is these track upgrades where I can store pliers or hang lures to dry. Since I won't have the tray beneath the seat, this will be a nice alternative for that.


https://pacificyakangler.com/collections/custom-old-town-replacement-parts/products/custom-starboard-pya-beefy-rails-for-old-town-bigwater-132-pdl-front-track-price-is-per-track

 

I'll also get one way scupper plugs and the scupper plug transducer mount which keeps it mounted nice and high and protected and sidevu is still supposed to work just fine.

 

I could see those being handy in that layout.  On my autopilot I have the foot pedal tracks on the inside of the boat where the pliers would hang down so I couldn't use the accessories.  However, I do have a nice space on the left under the seat that can fit a 3600 sized box.  In my case I used a plastic silverware tray cut to fit.  I throw my used lures in there to dry.  It drains to the self draining scupper under the battery box and the silverware dividers keep most trebles separated.  I can kinda use it as a daybox if I'm throwing soft plastics and leave a bag or two there.  Then I added an aftermarket organizer to the front of my seat (under my legs) for pliers, scissors, clippers, scale, etc.  I sit to tie on lures or land fish so that works great.

  • Super User
Posted
14 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

However, I do have a nice space on the left under the seat that can fit a 3600 sized box.

I am going to try a couple of KVD speed bags. Unfortunately I ordered the oversided ones made to fit 3600 size boxes not realizing what the difference was.

 

I got one of these as well, maybe it will fit behind the seat and in front of the blackpak if I'm lucky.
https://www.amazon.com/Flambeau-Tackle-Super-Half-Organizer/dp/B0060JNORG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2K40FFQNAXY2Y&keywords=flambeau+soft+plastic+storage&qid=1706120734&sprefix=flambeau+soft+pla%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-2

  • Super User
Posted

I carry two speedbags that I throw in the rear well behind my main tacklebag.  One has beavers and craws.  The other is worms and plastic jerkbaits.  Super useful bags and if you push them they will fit quite a few more than the 20 bags suggested.  I don't always carry both and I might revamp what I carry where since I have a side pocket in my main bag which will hold 10 bags or so.  That would let me leave the speedbags in the truck most of the time and only carry the essentials from them every time.  Who knows.  I've got time to sort it.

  • Super User
Posted

I might need something that can fit 6" worms better (specifically X-Zone Deception worms, which have a wider bag than some other 6" worms). So maybe one of those oversized speedbags will work out for that alright.

 

And if the soft plastic tray works, I'm good. I just want to grab everything and go. Also hoping to get a Yakima Topwater so I can rig up the night before at home and just grab the rods.

 

I have most things worked out or a backup plan. If all else fails I can use the soft plastic bin to carry soft plastics in my truck and take what I need in KVD speed bags. I can also carry one 3700 under the seat, so maybe that's where I keep the larger worms.

  • Super User
Posted
31 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

I might need something that can fit 6" worms better (specifically X-Zone Deception worms, which have a wider bag than some other 6" worms). So maybe one of those oversized speedbags will work out for that alright.

 

And if the soft plastic tray works, I'm good. I just want to grab everything and go. Also hoping to get a Yakima Topwater so I can rig up the night before at home and just grab the rods.

 

I have most things worked out or a backup plan. If all else fails I can use the soft plastic bin to carry soft plastics in my truck and take what I need in KVD speed bags. I can also carry one 3700 under the seat, so maybe that's where I keep the larger worms.

 

I don't know the x-zone bags, but I hold 10.5" Zooms in my speedbags.  Its a pretty significant sized bag.

 

If you go the 3700 route, that's what I'm doing for my Ned kit.  I grabbed a 3741 which is a deep and waterproof 3700 with only 4 compartments.  There is a 70/30 removable divider that cuts across the short side.  Then you can divide the 70 into 3 equal long compartments.  I'm leaving it split 70/30 and putting worm bags in the 70 and hooks/heads in the 30.  It will hold 20-odd bags plus more heads and hooks than you could need.  For throwing it under a kayak seat the waterproof is a good feature.  Its there if you need it, but if you leave it and forget about it you never have to worry about drying it out.  Also it's $15.

 

 

 

  • Super User
Posted
3 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

For throwing it under a kayak seat the waterproof is a good feature.  Its there if you need it, but if you leave it and forget about it you never have to worry about drying it out.  Also it's $15.

The Sportsman seat actually has a bit in the seat that holds a 3700 off the floor of the kayak but under the seat. So I shouldn't really need a waterproof box for that even which is nice.

 

I might be able to squeeze a 3700 under the seat, if not, 3600 sized in which case a waterproof one might be good although I've used 2 standard plano 3700s with decent luck so far.

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Super User
Posted
On 1/24/2024 at 11:07 AM, Boomstick said:

I do at least have the front rod holder to set one rod down, which is basically a godsend for a pedal kayak.

 

With my current setup, unless I bring out a ton of rods (more than I have vertical storage for), I will rarely keep more than just two up front, that is the one in my hand and one to quickly switch to. Maybe I can mount one of those Yakattack rod/paddle holders on the other mounting plate or atop the pedals or something, or just get used to one in the rod holder and one in my hand.


found the holder I was thinking of.  They have a couple options. 

 

https://yakgadget.com/products/flexrod-stager-system-pair?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=51c50997d&pr_rec_pid=6753703428253&pr_ref_pid=7407703785629&pr_seq=uniform

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.


  • Outboard Engine

    fishing forum

    fishing tackle

    fishing

    fishing

    fishing

    bass fish

    fish for bass



×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.