Do it Yourself (DIY) – Page 4

2015, Do it Yourself (DIY), How To, Kayak Fishing, Rod Leash

Bungee Rod Leash

May 13, 2015 by Matt Trucks No Comments

DIY: Make your own Rod Leashes

It is really simple to make your own Bungee Rod Leash. Over time using many different types of rod leashes from DIY coiled wire from old cell phone chargers to rope the bungee chord style leashes I have always liked the best.

Things you will need:

1/8″ Bungee Chord

3/8″ DIA. x 3″ L Heat Shrink Tubing with Adhesive cut in half

Stainless Steel Carabiner + Eye

Small Sea Clamp^®

(2) C-Ring Crimps

How To:

Cut the 1/8″ bungee to any length you would like. I prefer 30″. Then cut the heat shrink tubing in half. Slide both pieces of the heat shrink tubing on the bungee. This way you don’t forget to slide the second piece on later. Using pliers position the C-Ring Crimp open end out. make 1.5″ loop at the end of the bungee. and place the tag end and the main line into the crimp. Crimp down making the loop permanent. Make sure by pulling on the bungee it does not slide through the crimp. Next slide over one piece of the heat shrink tubing and using a heat gun or lighter shrink the tubing in place. Open the Sea Clamp and close it through the loop. This is your fishing rod connection.

On the other end slide the tag end through the Carabiner eye. Using the same technique as on the other end crimp a loop. Slide the remaining heat shrink tubing and shrink over.

Your DIY bungee rod leash is now complete.

2015, Cuda 14, Customization, Do it Yourself (DIY), Jackson Kayak, Kayak Fishing, Pimp my Kayak

Pimping out my Jackson Cuda 14

May 5, 2015 by Matt Trucks No Comments

Pimping out my Jackson Cuda 14

The below slides show my custom color Jackson Cuda with the factory black 1/4″ Bungee. Over time the bungee becomes brittle and needs to be replaced. Instead of using the black bungee you may opt for a color bungee to pimp out your kayak!

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The slides below show the result of the replacement. The tank well will require around 10 feet of 1/4″ bungee chord. The front rod tip protector will require 24″ of 3/16″.

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Completed it does make the boat pop! You can order the colored bungee in different colors and lengths from Hook1 or ebay.

2015, Customization, Do it Yourself (DIY), Kayak Fishing, My Yak, Pimp my Kayak, Rigging, Year

Upgrading a 2014 Big Rig to 2015 status

April 10, 2015 by Matt Trucks 3 Comments

Upgrading a 2014 Big Rig to 2015 status is pretty simple! A few modifications have been introduced on the new 2015 Big Rig. These upgrades can be purchased from your local Jackson Kayak dealer or from the Jackson Kayak online store.

The new additions include:

All new Seadek style adhesive Deck Pad.
Upgraded leaning post Grip Shrink pads.
The brand new Elite 2.0 seat with Thermarest back support.
The brand new CAM style seat latching system which can be applied to the 2014 model.
Upgraded all deck rigging bungee to yellow.

Installing the deck pad:

Prior to installing the deck pad clean the deck thoroughly. Let dry completely then wipe down with rubbing alcohol and again let dry completely. The install should be done when it is warm out above 50 degrees but under 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using a sharpie marker align the deck pad and mark the corners where it aligns with all scupper holes. Peel back the paper that covered the adhesive align with your markings and press down firmly. The adhesive is very sticky so you really only have 1 shot.

Upgrading the leaning post pads:

You’ll need a heat gun for this operation and a razor blade for cutting the Grip Shrink. The standard grip size on the 2015 Big Rig are (2x) 4″ for the sides and (1) 9″ for the top center. Cut accordingly. Remove the leaning post from the kayak. Remove one support brace. Slide on one 4″ piece first. position it where you would like it to be on the side with the support brace that you did not remove. Heat and shrink it in place. Repeat the same step with the 8″ piece centering it on the top portion of the bar. Once complete replace the support brace and using Loktite on the bolt that it swivels on. Reattach it to the kayak and your 2015 leaning post is complete!

Updating to the new Elite 2.0 Seat:

I am hoping replacing the seat eliminates the creaking I used to experience with the original seat. The new Elite 2.0 seat fits the 2014 Big Rig but requires the Cam seat latch system.

Cam Conversion Kit:

The cam conversion it is a easy install. It includes the star hex bit for removing the screws that secure the security bar. Simply remove one screw and loosen the other enough to slide on the loop of the cam strap. Make sure the cam lever is facing the bow. Tighten and the install is complete!