New Guy, New Yak, and maiden voyage
 

Hey guys, I figure I'll introduce myself since I seemed to get more than a few double takes on the water this Saturday.

My name's Eric, I come from the PB'r world, but now that I have two small kids, a house without boat storage and no time to prepare my boat, fuel it, launch it, drive it, fish it, drive it, retrieve it, wash it, drop it off in storage (you get the idea), I needed to find a way to make use of all the tackle I've acquired and hoarded over the years.

Last year I spotted a Hobie Bravo hull for sale on Craigslist for $75 bucks and thought that might make an interesting fishing skiff. It's a polyethylene catamaran made for sailing. I pondered putting a motor of some sort on it, but without a pink and any form of VIN#, I figured it would be too much of a PIA to deal with the DMV trying to get it CF #'s. Plus, a little exercise might do me good. ;) I spent the last month rigging it up. When I got the hull, there was nothing on it, other than two hatches. I added handles, 8 rod holders, kayak seat, foam padding, oar locks, oars, bungee lashing cords, bait tank, pump, fish finder, gps, 12v power, 6v power, two access hatches with storage bags for tackle/vhf storage. Due to the width and best location for me to sit, I need to row rather than paddle.

As you can see, it is somewhat on the larger size, hence the moniker, "Cadiyak".


Attachment 8377

Here's a picture of the bait tank and electronics. I found out about this site when I was looking for ideas on how to make the bait tank, thanks guys.


Attachment 8380

So, last Saturday was the maiden voyage/shake down trip. Prior to that, I'd only been on it in the swimming pool to figure out where to position the seat and oar locks. As you can see, the conditions were treacherous :eek:

Attachment 8378

The launch went smooth, the conditions were epic, shorts and t-shirts and I was able to cruise at 3 knots. Not bad, basically 20 minutes to "the spot". The hull is extremely stable and dry. I was able to fish standing up when my legs needed a stretch. Naturally I was out there trying to get myself a nice YT. I was able to pick them up on the meter a good half dozen times, but unfortunately for me, luck was not on my side. I did manage to catch something,..... a Sandab. :cool: At least I didn't have to wear the white stripe.

Attachment 8379

All in all, everything went well, just need to do a couple little tweaks. I talked to quite a few guys out there curious as to what I was on. I do have to say, the yak crowd is much more civilized than the PB'r crowd. Good to meet you guys.

Looking forward to more time on the water.

-Eric
"Cadiyak"

(aka- Albiebac, pre-yak times)

Welcome to the site, thats a beautiful looking yak right there and you did some quality work on it. 3 knots cruising speed is pretty fast if you ask me. Enjoy the new ride.

Welcome Eric. That's a pretty bad ass set up. You just need a bbq and fridge on there and your golden. When I see you on the water I'll come say hi. I'd like to see your rig in person.
:cheers1:
Mike

Ps. Don't pay any attention to my avatar..... Please.

Sweet ride. Looks like room for a Bimini top for shade.

that thing is pretty cool. Sper easy to hoop net off of lots of room.

Ah thats you who owns that crazy thing. Looks like its got room for a couch. Be sure to invite us on board during the games, when the flatscreen is setup of course.. :p

I was one of those that did a double take on Sat. Nice set-up- my only question is WTF are crawling out of that sanddab???
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/a...9&d=1360218250

Thanks for the compliments guys.

Hey, trust me, with all the real estate available on this thing, it's hard for me to try and stay honest and loyal to minimalist philosophy of kayaking. I'd like to keep it simple, but I still have tons of parts and what-not floating around at home from years in boating. Hopefully the winter won't be too long, giving me too much time to tinker in the garage. ;) We'll see...

As to the what's crawling out of the Sanddab, yeah, I didn't notice them 'til after I took the picture, and then I quickly flicked them over the side. Kinda like overgrown bedbugs....disgusting!

To bad the weather's not looking good this weekend, maybe next weekend,
Eric

That thing looks awesome.....Would be sweet if you could use the mirage drive to propel you but whatever....very cool.

Sweet looking ride, look at all that real estate :cool:

That thing is bad *ss!!!

That would be perfect for those long days when you get sleepy.

That thing is nice.

isopods! they eat your cuticles!

Ok. ..... Someone has to ask
Hows the surf landings? ? :confused:
I do like the real estate though, room to nap:D
:c

Welcome to our forum, have a nice stay here.
P.s that looks awesome, please show us more.

I dub thee.....
 

I dub thee "Luke Skywalker". And that is a most excellent "wave speeder"!:kayak-surfer: :cheers1:

That thing is tight! I have never seen one of those before. Shoot, for $75 I would say got a hell of a deal some.

Someone has to ask

Which side is the bow of the kayak?

dude!!!
that thing is Fing swheet!! i was waiting to retire ( 18months) to build me the same basic platform. i sure would like to go for a spin to see what i like, and how i can use it to my needs.

good job bro..

Hah! The jury is still out on that one. That's the reason I went out the first time when it was 0-1 at The Shores. Honestly, it did grab an edge for a second coming in, but I was able to straighten her out. I'm thinking it could get sporty anything over 3, so I'm going to stick with 0-3 for my days. I'm hoping having two oars to work with will help keep it straight, kinda like white water rafting style. Another option will be making a "landing drogue" if it becomes an issue.

We'll see, hopefully not too many yard sales......;)