Replace your boat’s steering cable if the steering wheel is tight and hard to steer or you feel hesitation while steering. Fix these problems before you go on your next boating trip to avoid being lost at sea. Steering cable problems also can cause potentially fatal accidents. Things You’ll Need: Rags Adjustable wrenchRagsAdjustable wrench Instructions Step 1 Pull up the floorboard directly behind the motor housing. Follow the cable located with the muffler and driveshaft with your eyes toward the back of the boat until you can see below the ski locker and gas tank. Remove the connection cable that…
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For those who enjoy kayaking, there are two main ways to transport your kayak from point A to point B – either on a roof rack or on a trailer. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the option that best suits your needs. Roof racks are generally more affordable and easier to install, but they can be difficult to load and unload by yourself. Kayak trailers, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer the advantage of being able to transport multiple kayaks at once. They are also easier to load, since you can…
With distractions of the digital age intruding on childhood play and time spent in nature diminishing, parents are increasingly facing a new challenge: Convincing their kids that there is a world outside of their screens. Dun, duh, dun, dun. (We’re only teasing with the doomsday tone, but the evidence that kids are spending less and less time outside is out there.) Instead of demonizing technology (there are pros and cons) or telling you how to parent (we know better than that), we’ve decided to give some motivational advice in the best way we know how: Introduce your kid(s) to kayak fishing…
Prior to every kayak fishing trip, I go through an extensive mental list of gear that I can’t go without, and after several years of kayak fishing I’ve reduced the number of gadgets and tools found on my PFD and in my kayak cockpit. Now one of my goals as I gear up is to take the least amount of gear possible. Why? I hate to fumble around the kayak as I try to fight, land or release a fish, only to find that my pliers are sitting under the net, tangled with the hawg trough and pinned under the seat by…
Kayaking in water conditions such as high tide, high sand bar and deep bottom can cause your kayak to start wobbling or flip over. High tide is when the tide is at its peak for the day. High sand bar means a ridge of sand has formed in the current. Deep bottom means the bottom end of a water source. You can stop your kayak from wobbling to have better control over your steering and speed. Step 1 Step down into the center of the kayak, which will keep it from wobbling as you enter it. Keep your feet side-by-side…
Learning the basic strokes to paddle a kayak will enhance your enjoyment and make paddling easier. These basic strokes serve as a foundation for further skills and advanced paddling techniques, so taking the time to master them will open future possibilities. Paddler’s Box The paddler’s box is a position to hold your body in while paddling. To get in the box, first figure out how to hold your paddle. Hold the paddle above your head with its midpoint directly above your head. Move your hands outward toward the blades until your elbows are at approximately a 90-degree angle. While keeping…
Using the correct techniques to paddle a canoe increases your efficiency and helps you to maintain endurance, all while helping to prevent unnecessary injuries. The art of paddling a canoe takes practice to master. These instructions will help the beginner to learn the basic strokes and provide the experienced with a review of proper form and technique. Instructions Step 1 Be mindful of posture. All of your upper body muscles are used when paddling a canoe. When paddling, keep your arms straight and maintain good posture while keeping your body relaxed, allowing your shoulders and waist to turn as you…
A rudder is an important component to any kayak. While often associated with turning, the rudder is actually used most often for keeping the kayak moving straight. Making your own rudder is a good idea, because a kayak’s waterline determines the size of rudder you will need. Making your own rudder allows you to customize it specifically for your kayak, and ensures you’ve got a quality product. Things You’ll Need: Rubber outline planSharpie marker1/4-inch Plexiglas1/8-inch PlexiglasSawBelt sander, metal file, or jitterbug sanderKnifeClampEpoxy glue1/8 inch Bolt120-grit sandpaper Step 1 Find and print an outline of a rudder schematic. Make sure the…
Kayaking can be one of nature’s most relaxing sports. Installing your own rudder can give you more control over your kayak and allow you to sail on rougher waters for longer distances. With a few simple steps, you can take a plain piece of plywood and turn it into a beautiful and unique rudder for your kayak. Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: PlywoodJigsawSanderDrillFiberglassPaint brush Step 1 Design your rudder pattern. You can make your pattern simple or more detailed if you want a challenge. You will need at least a 5-inch rudder for many recreational kayaks. Step 2 Use a…
Storing your kayak properly will help to extend the longevity of your boat and make it easier when you want to take it out for a paddle. An improperly stored kayak can collect mold and be susceptible to unnecessary weathering. The kayak isn’t as complicated to store as other boats, but there are several simple measures which can be taken to ensure that your boat is stored safe and dry. Step 1 Whenever you are going to store a kayak, make sure that it is clean. Wash off your kayak with water from a hose to make sure that all…