Kayak stabilizers
Alabama Fishing
Apr 18, 2023 02:39:28 #
SteveBass
Loc: Centre, Alabama
Tomorrow I plan the maiden voyage of my new Ozark kayak. It is rated to hold 300 pounds. I weigh about 245. I will likely try to make stabilizers to help keep my old fat butt from turning over. I have a general idea how to produce them from watching videos. Have any of you found it effective for heavier people? I will only briefly stand to get on or off. I will stay seated to fish.
Apr 18, 2023 07:16:35 #
SteveBass wrote:
Tomorrow I plan the maiden voyage of my new Ozark kayak. It is rated to hold 300 pounds. I weigh about 245. I will likely try to make stabilizers to help keep my old fat butt from turning over. I have a general idea how to produce them from watching videos. Have any of you found it effective for heavier people? I will only briefly stand to get on or off. I will stay seated to fish.
What is the width of your Ozark Steve? Are you getting into it from shore or dock? Can you post a pic of it?
Kayaker myself and every entry and exit requires different approaches. By all means have that PFD on before you get in the yak.
Apr 18, 2023 10:43:12 #
SteveBass wrote:
Tomorrow I plan the maiden voyage of my new Ozark kayak. It is rated to hold 300 pounds. I weigh about 245. I will likely try to make stabilizers to help keep my old fat butt from turning over. I have a general idea how to produce them from watching videos. Have any of you found it effective for heavier people? I will only briefly stand to get on or off. I will stay seated to fish.
Never used stabilizers with my ‘yak - it would just be “one more thing” to transport & possibly hinder fishing.
Enjoy the maiden voyage & slowly get acclimated to the new boat, wear that PFD & Good luck 🍀👍!
Apr 18, 2023 10:46:05 #
plumbob wrote:
What is the width of your Ozark Steve? Are you getting into it from shore or dock? Can you post a pic of it?
Kayaker myself and every entry and exit requires different approaches. By all means have that PFD on before you get in the yak.
Kayaker myself and every entry and exit requires different approaches. By all means have that PFD on before you get in the yak.
Excellent points on entry/exits Plum - each situation requires thought, balance & awareness of your surroundings for “shore “!
Apr 18, 2023 10:52:40 #
Steelhead Mickey wrote:
Excellent points on entry/exits Plum - each situation requires thought, balance & awareness of your surroundings for “shore “!
Isn't that the truth Mickey. Last week I had a dock entry at one place and a shore line at the other. Being graceful is not a requirement getting in and out. Do what we must, but do it safely.
Apr 19, 2023 13:22:51 #
TooMuch
Loc: NE Alabama
Steve, I too have an issue but mine is a wm 'fisher' that really isn't. Very unstable and seems like seat is too far back leading to steering issues. I built stabilizers last yr and WOW what a difference. I used the 2 inch pvc without glue for easier storage. I took out the rod holders for bolt securing and reinstalled. It's sooo much more better!!! Have fun!
Apr 19, 2023 13:28:53 #
Charlie N.
Loc: north jersey, North eastern Pennsylvania
I also had an unstable kayak and put stabilizers on it. Helped me but would not use them if that kayak wasnt a nightmare. Try the yak out a few times before you decide if you need them.
Apr 19, 2023 22:16:56 #
Keep us informed of your kayak stabilizers. Show pictures. I need some stabilizers too. I will look on YouTube also. Thanks Bobby
Apr 19, 2023 22:21:32 #
Apr 20, 2023 16:05:20 #
Grunt1946
Loc: Foley, AL
You can buy commercial stabilizers from a number of companies. Do a Google search. There inexpensive and easy to install.
Apr 20, 2023 23:59:01 #
Bobfromfremont
Loc: Fremont Ca
SteveBass wrote:
Tomorrow I plan the maiden voyage of my new Ozark kayak. It is rated to hold 300 pounds. I weigh about 245. I will likely try to make stabilizers to help keep my old fat butt from turning over. I have a general idea how to produce them from watching videos. Have any of you found it effective for heavier people? I will only briefly stand to get on or off. I will stay seated to fish.
You’re not leaving much weight for gear, ice, lunch,etc. You might want to think about getting a kayak with a higher weight rating
Apr 23, 2023 19:39:34 #
RuffplayOR57
Loc: Klamath Falls, OR
SteveBass wrote:
Tomorrow I plan the maiden voyage of my new Ozark kayak. It is rated to hold 300 pounds. I weigh about 245. I will likely try to make stabilizers to help keep my old fat butt from turning over. I have a general idea how to produce them from watching videos. Have any of you found it effective for heavier people? I will only briefly stand to get on or off. I will stay seated to fish.
I have 2 Steve, a base model 10ft. Tamarack, that if it’s a bit breezy, I thought about putting stabilizers on it. Then I got a 12’ SeaStream peddle drive Angler. That Kayak is WAY more Stable than the 10’. I don’t believe I’d need a stabilizer added to it. I weighed 245 when I first got it, but I’ve been trying to loose a little. Down to 225 now and it’s not an issue.
May 3, 2023 21:43:30 #
I just made my kayak stabilizer last week end and I tried it out on the lake yesterday. The winds were 30-40 mph.The stabilizers worked good I have built in adjustments so I can pull them out or in as need. I also raised my seat 5 inches. I can store 2 small flat lure boxes under the seat. My back usually starts killing me in about half an hour. I was on it for an hour and my back felt good. I have to make a few adjustments . I watched a few YouTube videos to get my ideas. They were very helpful. Bobby
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