I built this boat about 2 years ago. So it needed a little refreshing and a couple of upgrades. If you're interested, here is the original build thread.
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/foru ... 1&t=159881" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
And here is what she looked like on her first paddle.
I've really enjoyed her. So my main changes were to add Bow & Stern hatches and add a Fish Finder. I also needed to re-tie her Bow & Stern handles. I also sanded her down and added a fresh coat of epoxy. Just getting rid of the runs from the original build and 2 years worth of rock rash.
I've wanted to cut the hatches for a long time, but "I was skeered". So I taped them off and marked my lines.
Then I check the measurements about 6 times, took a deep breath and started cutting. Used a hand held miter to start at one of the high points.
Refresh on the BBW 14
- Iwannagofishin
- Posts: 126
- Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:49 pm
Re: Refresh on the BBW 14
After starting with the hand held miter, I switched over to the jig saw.
There's no turning back now.
Time to start putting it back together. I built a lip for the lid to rest on out of some Pine that I had in my scrap pile. Used some cardboard to make a form. Then cut the pieces to a width of 1 inch. 5/8" under the hatch, 3/8" sticking out to support the lid. Put a saturation coat on the new pieces and let them dry. Then epoxied them into place. Clamped them up and waited for them to dry.
Is that a pathetic set of clamps or what?- Iwannagofishin
- Posts: 126
- Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:49 pm
Re: Refresh on the BBW 14
I added a rubber door weather strip to the lip of the hatch. It's a soft rubber so it makes a great seal.
But it forces the lid to sit a little higher than the hatch. Not crazy about the look, but I know that it's water tight.
Once you put the bungees on it, the lid lays down a little. I'll see if it grows on me.
- Iwannagofishin
- Posts: 126
- Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:49 pm
Re: Refresh on the BBW 14
I also wanted to add a fish finder. Ended up buying a Lowrance X-4 Pro. Academy had them on sale.
I really struggled with how to mount the transducer. Really wanted to mount it to shoot thru-hull. Not sure how well this will work.
I used some rubber pipe insulation to create a transducer mount. Cut it out to fit, and glued it down in the front hatch. Then I filled the hole with Marine Goop and put the transducer in place. For some reason I didn't get a picture of this, but you can find many examples of this in other posts. Some say it works, some say it doesn't. I'll let you know.
Made a wooden mount that fits into one of the PVC pipes on my milk crate. It attaches securely and swivels. Then I added some industrial Velcro to keep my seat in place, re-tied the bow & stern handles. She's ready to float again. Of course, it's Mothers Day weekend. So I can only look at her for a few days. I'll post a review of the transducer mount as soon as possible.
I really struggled with how to mount the transducer. Really wanted to mount it to shoot thru-hull. Not sure how well this will work.
I used some rubber pipe insulation to create a transducer mount. Cut it out to fit, and glued it down in the front hatch. Then I filled the hole with Marine Goop and put the transducer in place. For some reason I didn't get a picture of this, but you can find many examples of this in other posts. Some say it works, some say it doesn't. I'll let you know.
Made a wooden mount that fits into one of the PVC pipes on my milk crate. It attaches securely and swivels. Then I added some industrial Velcro to keep my seat in place, re-tied the bow & stern handles. She's ready to float again. Of course, it's Mothers Day weekend. So I can only look at her for a few days. I'll post a review of the transducer mount as soon as possible.