For a boat to be legal when operating between dawn and dusk in the United States, the boat must be equipped with a series of running lights. Larger boats come with factory installed lights. Smaller fishing boats and runabouts need to be retrofitted to achieve this. Wiring the boat gives you the added measure of safety when night boating and fishing as well as making it legal. Avoid a ticket and wire the boat before you head out for some nighttime angling. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Challenging Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Position the red bow light on the port, or left,…
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Transport your canoe more easily and faster by building a canoe rack on a utility trailer. This allows you to make a separate compartment for your boat that you can just carry along for all your water adventures. With just a few tools and materials, you can construct a rack that is specifically sized for your own boat’s measurements. Make a single or double tier so you can gear up and take your boat to your favorite water destinations. Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Measure the dimensions of the utility trailer. The trailer’s width determines the length of your rack’s…
Paddling a canoe requires practice and balance. The design of a canoe makes it possible to glide through the water but it also allows the craft to tip with any movement from the passengers. The natural instability of the craft means passengers should wear a life vest at all times. Solo paddling allows the user maximum control but multiple passengers requires a coordinated effort to maintain stability. The different sizes and hull designs also change the center of balance and general feel of different canoes. Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Purchase a short canoe with a wide hull.…
The kayak spray skirt goes around the combing of the water craft and keeps excess water from entering the cockpit of the boat, ensuring heat retention, buoyancy and dry comfort for long paddling trips. Spray skirts are made from either waterproof nylon or neoprene, depending on the primary regions paddled in. Making your own spray skirt allows for a custom fit around your body and around the kayak combing. The process requires basic sewing skills and the ability to envision a pattern on a blank piece of fabric. Things You’ll Need: Pattern and Measurements Step 1 Sit in the kayak…
Deck netting, known as elastics, are generally affixed to both the front and back deck of sea kayaks and recreational kayaks. The foredeck elastics, usually three in number, are mostly to hold your compass and chart, though many people also stow things such as sunscreen, hats and water bottles; stowing such larger objects, however, can inhibit use of your paddle at a low angle. The rear deck elastics can hold useful objects such as spare paddles, flare containers and bilge pumps. You can add deck netting to your kayak if it doesn’t have any or if you would like to…
Illinois is known more for the city of Chicago, long flat areas of wheat and corn fields and chilly winters as opposed to whitewater kayaking. But there is whitewater in the state for rafting or kayaking. Depending on the time of year and the water flow, paddling class II through IV rapids is possible. Before heading into the water, make sure to wear a life jacket, helmet and have a river paddling partner with you. Bear Creek, Class II Kayak the Bear Creek outside of Quincy, from the CR 900E to Highway 96 for a total of 4.5 miles of…
Touring kayaks are longer and more stable than white-water kayaks and are designed to stay upright even in rough ocean surf. They have long waterlines and low centers of gravity that make them track well and eat up minor jolts and waves. Nonetheless, even the most stable touring kayak is not capsize-proof. Learning to prepare and paddle your kayak proficiently can make the difference between staying high and dry and getting cold and wet. Step 1 Center and strap in all of your gear to keep your kayak balanced. Make sure that weight is distributed evenly from side to side.…
One of the essentials of beginner kayaking is learning how to efficiently and effectively rotate your craft, giving you complete control while you’re out on the water. Turning your boat, a seemingly simple maneuver, can take some time to master. Start practicing on calm, open water, such as a lake, before taking on rivers and oceans. Step 1 Determine which direction you want your bow, or the front of your boat, to end up facing (for this example, you’ll try to turn your boat to the left). Step 2 Hold the paddle firmly in front of you with your palms…
Kayaking with a sail provides more speed with less fatigue. You still have to paddle when using a kayak sail, but you have the ability to take advantage of the wind, and your paddling will be used more to steer the kayak rather than to provide all of the power. Kayak sails are available at sporting goods stores, but you can make your own to match your kayak and save money. Don’t be afraid to dress up your sail with a custom look once you have the initial pattern laid out. Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Lay two yards of…
Rocks, sand and other debris can scratch your kayak while you are enjoying the water. This doesn’t mean that you have to replace your kayak but to make it more aesthetically pleasing and also help maintain speed due to friction, you should repair those scratches. Cosmetic scratches can be left alone but deeper and darker scratches can be repaired at home with the right tools. However when in doubt, head to your local shop to get the tools and advice you need to repair your kayak. Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Inspect your kayak scratches. Truly superficial thin…