AJ and I were admittedly reluctant to cut into our kayaks when we started our kayaking adventures. Most of our early experiments were add-ons that could be easily changed from one kayak to another or removed when not in use. These Simple modifications made our kayaking endeavors easier and allowed us to grow in our kayak knowledge before cutting into the hull.
As with any modification, you want to ensure you have considered the necessary safety precautions. Most regulatory agencies do not require us to have a fire extinguisher on our kayak unless we have a trolling motor. AJ and I highly recommend having one any time there are electronics of any kind on your vessel. While some of the mods listed here are safety features of one degree or another, there is no such thing as too much safety preparation so don’t consider these items to be replacements or solutions to your basic safety gear (PFD, Whistle, etc.).
All this being said, let’s jump in and look at some easy ways to start your DIY kayaking modification adventures:
1. Track-mounted holders (rods, paddle, cup holder, etc.) are easily adjustable mods
YakAttack will become a common term in your vocabulary as you grow in the kayaking world. They are still a relatively small company that started in 2009. YakAttack is quickly becoming the go-to resource for these simple add-on modifications that require little to no disfigurement of your vessel. Solid competitors with similar attachments include Scotty and RailBlaza. AJ and I have used all three brands over the years and are relatively satisfied with each one. As with anything in the outdoors world brand loyalty will play a big role in many kayaker’s decisions as will price-point considerations.
Between the three brands, you’ll find rod holders, paddle holders, Safety lights, Cup holders, Tool caddies, Filet tables, camera/GoPro mounts, fish finder and transducer mounts, outriggers, anchor cleats, and many more toys to explore.
2. Velcro & other storage pouches are moifications that can be purchased or made.
I firmly believe you can never have too much storage on your kayak, especially for small items. You can get Velcro pouches that attach to your seat, the side of the hull, or anyplace else you find accessible. Pouches can be divided to provide multiple storage pockets, long and slender for paperwork or pliers, or rollable for ropes and collapsible poles.
3. Twist or clamp on navigation lights are mods that can be used on multiple vessels
When you’re just starting out in the kayak realm you may not know just how much time you’re going to spend on the water in the dark. AJ and I never intended to be out in the dark when we started kayaking. We originally only used our kayaks for fishing and always expected to be loaded up and heading home by nightfall. “One last cast” is not a myth! We learned very quickly that there were going to be times when we needed the safety lights to be legal while making our way home in the dark. A quick and cheap solution for us were the clamp-on lights for navigation and anchoring.
A small disclaimer here: Not all clamp-on lights meet the USCG regulations for kayak use. Make sure you check the ones you choose before depending on them while out on the water.
4. Rod or paddle leash are multip purpose mods
There is a bit of a debate about where, exactly, we should draw the line for what qualifies as a kayak modification as opposed to just an accessory you keep on your boat. We’re adding this here for you to make your own decision. Should you consider this a modification or an accessory, it is a product you are likely to want in your arsenal when on the water.
5. Stick on lights can be used to modify the hull, the cockpit, or several other locations on the kayak
Tape, in all its forms, will become a very trusted friend to any kayaker who spends a significant amount of time on the water. AJ and I carry electrical tape as well as duct or gorilla tape with us almost every time we hit the water. When you’re just starting to learn about kayak modifications, it is a great resource for experimenting with small mods.
Some of your options are wireless and have built-in batteries.
Other options are wired, but can still be glued or taped into place.
6. Stand-up assist bar is a solid mod to replace the “stand-up” assist bar that comes on many of today’s kayaks
Nowadays, many kayaks come with a stand-up assist strap. It’s sufficient for many kayakers. Others want something a bit more stable and user-friendly. You can always opt to build one and create the style that suits you best. Sometimes the DIY build is more expensive than buying it outright. Other times you’re just not going to be able to get all the parts you need while the prebuilt version comes with all the attachments necessary. The key to premade versions is to ensure the measurements will fit your kayak before buying it.
7. Seat cushion (replacement/upgrade) or full seat modifications can add to all day comfort
Most kayak manufacturers make replacement seats for all of their kayaks. There are a few “universal” options though that can make you significantly more comfortable.
If you’re using a sit-on-top kayak, you may even be able to use a more cushioned boat seat. This was what AJ and I opted for when changing the seats in our Big Fish 120s.
8. Flotation bags are an especially important addition to sit-in kayaks
More important to sit inside kayaks than sit on tops, the flotation bags are a good resource for kayakers navigating ruffer waterways.
9. Scupper hole Anchor Poles are a simple mod for shallow water fishing
When you’re not ready to electrify your kayak, you’re navigating relatively shallow waters, and you are in a bit more of a current than a standard anchor can handle, you may want to consider a user-friendly stick pole.
10. Bimini Tops are becoming popular additions to recreational kayaks
Here in Texas, we get a lot of hot sunny days for fishing. Not everyone likes the confining nature of the SPF fishing shirts. A potential solution for many people has become the bimini top. Many of them attach, quickly, to your track mounts and/or flush mount rod holders.
11. Bait magnet Strips can be added virtually anywhere on your kayak
Lures, hooks, and other small tools fall overboard rather easily when on the water. When on kayaks, that becomes even more problematic if your scupper holes are open. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost hooks and weights down the scupper hole at my feet. A quick and simple solution is to add a magnet to your kayak. Waterproof double-sided tape or glue can allow you to attach it to the floor, your seat, or the side of the hull. If you don’t want it that stationary, perhaps attach it to the top or side of your storage crate or ice chest.
12. Tow ropes can be purchase or made to suit any kayak necessity.
No matter how cautious you are, emergencies can occur. When you need to tie off to shore or a dock, lonnger ropes with clips or loops can be handy. If you find a honey hole near a fallen tree a rope with clips or clamps will solve many delimas. A friend may become injured or ill and need to be towed into shore. Your tow rope can and will serve a multitude of uses. Don’t overcomplicate the process. Make sure you don’t spend an exorbitant amount of money. You can choose 550 paracord in a variety of colors or nautical rope that’s a bit thicker. Almost any rope will do. I’ve included a variety of options that are similar to what I’ve used on several of our kayak setups.
13. Bait Stations can be modified themselves to accomodate any angler’s fishing and kayak style
A bait station can be any kind of setup you want. It can be a cutting board you store under your seat with a magnet or holder for your knife. It can be a setup you attach to your track mount. You can build a fold-out setup on your storage crate or portable livewell…Your creativity is your only limitation. Use these photos as inspiration to formulate your own plan.
14. Floor mats or carpet can save you from pain, discomfort, and sound disturbances
Many of the cheaper kayaks don’t have any insulation or carpeting on the floor of the hull. Many people will tell you that you need the carpet to muffle sound and not scare the fish away. While this is a potential factor in the decision to install carpet, it is not the only reason. Sit-inside kayaks can benefit from a little carpet to pad your heels and legs. Carpet on sit-on-top kayaks will do this and cool the surface you’re sitting on. If you fish barefoot, you’ll have a cooler surface to stand on, you have more padding to cushion your feet for long periods of casting, and you’ll have a reduced glare from the sun. You can buy rolls of marine-grade carpet and cut strips to suit your own wishes or buy precut kits that can just be glued into place.
After several carpeting projects, AJ and I have found that getting the marine grade carpet with an adhesive backing and applying the 3m carpet glue spray seems to hold up best to the abuse kayaks receive.
15. Storage Crate and Livewell options that can be purchased, modified, or built.
Go small and simple
Middle of the road
Or all out
And you’ll have a storage system that allows you to keep your gear compact and secure while kayaking.
Once all is said and done, these are just a few of the potential “modifications” you can choose to do at the beginning of your kayaking adventures. Those who have been recreationally kayaking for a while frequently admit the modification bug will inevitably bite. As your confidence and skill sets advance, so will your modification experiments. When you’re ready, more advanced modification ideas will be available here at The Outdoors Quest.
