My family has always had boats in the past, and eventually sold the last one once all of us kids finally moved out. I have been itching to get a boat, but the wife is always the voice of reason (and the saying holds true… “break out another thousand” lol)
So! That leads me to buying my first kayak! It’s an ascend 12T sit on top. After researching for a while this is the one I settled on due to length and weight capacity. I’m a bigger guy at 5’11” 270 and figured this would be the best entry level.
It was a trip taking it home strapped on top of the Lincoln 😬 35 miles on I35 with winds gusting to 40 was NOT fun. I have since gotten a better mounting option than the 2 small foam blocks. I still plan on getting a regular roof rack, but the new soft rack holds extremely well.
Took it on its maiden voyage 2 weeks ago, and learned a LOT. I’ve kayaked before, but never on a SOT. First thing I did was add the seat riser. Next time I took it out, it was too tippy… so now we’re working on outriggers! The frame is tentative right now, as I’m still waiting on the crab pot floats to come in from Amazon… then it’ll be some trial and error figuring out if I want 90 or 45s, and how much drop is needed. I’ll have 4 total 5”x11” floats, 2 per side.
My plan is to add an anchor trolley, and eventually run power and a trolling motor, lights, etc… This yak will mainly be used on Texas lakes, flat water I think yall call it.
My question is this: what modifications other than what I’ve done so far would yall do to a 12’ SOT?
I look forward to being out on the water!!
Posted by HypnoticMafia
2 Comments
Congrats! I’ve had a 12T for several years now and love it – looking to add the seat riser. What did you use?
(just installed the Yak Attack HD Anchor Trolley, have had a Garmin Striker sonar/FF in-hull too)
I like how the outrigger attaches and lets you put a rod in. But what’s holding the PVC in? Once there’s some flotation, won’t the PVC wiggle up and out?