Cheap Inflatable Kayak Modified Into a Legit Fishing Kayak!? How to Make It
Вставка
- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- In this video I turn an inflatable kayak, Intex Explorer K2, and modify it into a fishing Kayak. I walk you through step by step of how I make this kayak as well as show you the equipment that I used and how I set it up. Links to everything I used are posted below.
Check out and Subscribe to my channel: bit.ly/2DbjPOG
Modified inflatable row boat video you might like - • Inflatable Row Boat Mo...
Equipment I used for the Kayak: (Affiliate Links)
Kayak - Intex Explorer K2 - amzn.to/2STmiG8
Boat seat - amzn.to/2Ypaxf9
Boat Seat Swivel - amzn.to/2Zxq7Sq
Minn Kota Endura 55lb Trolling Motor - amzn.to/2YmCzrV
12V 100AH Battery - amzn.to/2yyLbfH
Minn Kota Battery Box Power Center - amzn.to/2yDfm5s
Smart Battery Charger - amzn.to/2yzU9ct
Trolling Motor wire extension kit - amzn.to/2LYZGlo
Adjustable drink holder - amzn.to/2Kfvu3D
Building Materials I used: (Can be picked up at your local Home Store)
-1x10 8’ long boards for the floor (2 qty)
-1x12 6’ long board for the seat console and bracket support for trolling motor mount
-2x4 board for the trolling motor mount beam
-4 hinges for the floor
-Indoor/outdoor carpet
-Carriage bolts, wing nuts and washers
Dimensions I used for the kayak:
Floor - 7 1/2 feet long by 19 inches wide
Seat Console - 16" long, 11 1/2" wide and 6 1/4" tall
Bracket Support (holds 4 fishing poles and motor mount beam) 15" wide, 12" tall and 5" thick
-Trolling motor beam - 3" wide, 44" long and 1 1/2" thick
Thanks for watching!
**Help Support This Channel Using Affiliate Links!**
All affiliate links that are provided in this description could allow me to receive a small commission if you decide to purchase items. This is a way you can support this channel and allow me to continue to make videos!
Music:
Garret Bevins - Infinite - Infinite
Perfect Muse - Lucky Number
Always Dreaming - Same Town Forever
Since I Started - Roll in Vinocor
-Music obtained through Wondershare Filmora Editing Software-
#kayak #inflatablekayak #fishingkayak
I just order the exact same kayak and was racking my brain how to customize it thank you!
The most impressive part of this video was getting the kayak back in its bag
Mine ripped the zipper in half after 6 uses
They say thos was first time its been done
I own this kayak and it's very easy to get back in bag. I even added 2 lifejackets and a boat safety kit to it. ziped up no problem
@@every-UserName-Is-used you’re a got-damn liar
@@every-UserName-Is-used I stuffed my wife in there too. Still plenty of space.
I thought I was the only person to have made a plywood floor for a K2! Made mine a year ago, but you went above and beyond with the rig for your motor. Excellent job with both the build and the video!
This has been one of the best modification channels for kayak I have seen.
So, two suggestions. Remove the swivel on the seat. You can see the seat leeching some of that energy from your paddling as each paddle stroke is twisting you back and forth. It also appears generally useless as you have so little room to keep your feet. Second suggestion - lower the seat. Your center of gravity is too high. Other than that, it looks great!
Hi
Good idea. Or drilling a hole in the swivel for a locking pin that can be lifted and dropped by a small lever and fulcrum on the side. Once lowered, just swivel the seat until it drops into place.
@@miromiro8064hello
I think for more stability, you might add a couple of outboat mini pontoons. And to make the floor board collapse even smaller, you might consider cutting the boards in half the opposite way and adding a piano hinge on one side and a flat latch on the other to keep it from folding while in use. Also, you may need a balast to offset the weight of the trolling motor. If the battery and motor weigh the same, create an outboard box opposite the motor to hold the battery.
Excellent video. Such a creative modification. I clapped during the testing in the water. Very impressive build. I found this video while researching Father’s Day gift ideas. A boat & a project will be two gifts in one! Thanks
Haha I clapped too! 😄Especially with the motor, that was sooooo cool!
I have that kayak and after one trip out my back was killing me. the seats have no support. I've been trying to figure out how to get a boat seat in it and your video is a jackpot! Thank you!
I am now tempted to make a wooden extra plank to reinforce the back of the seats :D
Sweet setup. A Pair of outriggers and you are golden.
This video deserves a lot more views lol that was a lot of work
From Wisconsin too! Got the excursion 5 and added a wood floor and trolling motor, thank you for giving me an idea on what to do
Just did that with my excursion 5 too wood floor and a minn kota 40lb motor
It’s videos like this that make me love watching UA-cam. Great job with the build!
It's comments like this that make me want to continue to post videos! Thank you very much Tony!
Great job! I love watching the invention process. I have two of these kayaks. One for me and one for my son. We've taken them out for a full day of fishing on a bayou and they were great. I haven't done any modifications yet but have been brain storming over the last few days, which is why I'm here, watching your creations and how they worked. Thank you for the ideas. I'll be making modifications too.
Nice job! Could make a pvc outrigger for stability like some folks do with the canoes.
Filled or wrapped with pool noodles
First of all, thank you for the good idea, I almost did something very similar to what you did, but when I lowered the canoe into the water, I realized that it was unstable and that I would fall. Then I removed the high part under the seat, the idea and work are very good, but this way you are definitely in the water.
The stability issue is the result of 3 factors. The elevated seat is raising the center of gravity significantly higher than what the kayak was designed for. There's an episode of Survivor Man in Alaska and just raising the small camera in his kayak was enough to cause stability problems. You're also feeling the effect of the trolling motor providing thrust that's not down the centerline axis of the kayak. The weight of the trolling motor being offset from the centerline is also reducing the stability.
35 degrees and you are is in sorts!! Your way more Many other me brotha! The Kayak looks amazing!
seaEagle 370 went out on Bay 10 knots over wind and Haulover current but the inflatable behaved well. I had weight of 2 large coolers and two anchors and was able to anchor in 10 feet deep with a strong current using 35 feet of rope on each anchor. Could not move well just forward to reach front cooler but the rear cooler to access it I had to turn completely turn around which is not easy but do able. Cooler on back and front helped me with great back support and i could also push hard with my feet against the front cooler. Seating enhanced with a car back support wide and had no problems with the back and I am basically fresh out of surgery. How well I was supported with the two coolers and backrest and cushion i used for back support was surprising. I just can't turn around. My deluxe seats are worthless so I am using the extra cushions they sell for seating and use those and it will also raise me 8 inches higher than reg. seat. which is 5 inches now I'll be at 13 total and it looks it could be that happy position. This puts my hips almost level not quite to the top of kayak. I found my self rubbing the shaft against the side chambers because i think these kayaks sits us quite low so I'll be higher but your set up here is great so many mods., but not for me the high chair on the ocean. I tested went out for my very first time other than just playing a little bit and it was awesome. Out from Oleta to Haulover sandbar over 10 knot winds and had to cross a major navigation channel to get to sandbar I was ready with anchor, and drinks, a front towing harness I made and one for the stern anchor. At the end of the day almost at crossing the Channel a JetSkier showed up and towed me across to the Park. I was against the wind and side current and I was making progress but very slowly. Point is I woul've made it only with patience, a lot of patience and good tecnich. The anchor ropes must be leashed next to where I sit to facilitate usage. I was de anchored twice by the current and also a motor boat hooked my anchor rope and dragged me for quite a bit and I think I liked being dragged from the rear than having been hooked on the front anchor rope. I was thinking of using an anchor weight instead of grapel for the front but there's too much current. I am leashing the ropes next to me but with paddle elasic leash reaching from my seat all the way to anchor rope so it is retreat able and also elastic so if it pulls , it will pull from the rear or front instead of a firm leash to the seat(on side) 'cause then i can be overturned. I had to deal with wakes from yachts and facing them correctly there was no problem. I was also "brushed by a 35 foot boat, is crazy downhere. I saw 2 of these kayaks on this video at the sandbar; they're very popular and it is just like mine same type. That floor you made rocks, well everything you made is super. I wish I had a motor for my sandbar and beercan island trips. It is a good back and forth, and I went out the wrong way for the first time out of the park so first time on the Bay with 10knot winds while testing and paddling back after loosing the anchor thrice I did at least 3-4 navigational miles, at least 2 1/2. These kayaks when adjusted for the deed, are Great. With my two coolers for bracing I am set. I will add a Sail they sell for it and rod holders to hold umbrella, an extra grapel anchor with 100 feet of rope for front to anchor in 35 feet(need a lot of rope to anchor in Ocean) maybe I'll learn to fish, I should I love Snapper. Next, is getting back up on these things which is easier said than done but with a good kick from Finned feet should be able to get over the top if one's not too tired. I want to go skin diving and maybe even scuba but i need to get back on the boat confidently. I could always swim back 300 yards holding on to the thing but I don't want to go there, I rather paddle. I am 61 years old and I live in Miami. Hope my experience helps anyone who wants to try and get out there, must be Prepared.
THANKS for your video and proof of concept!.....The one main thing that looks that you need is to balance the weight.
Yeap, battery to the front!
Also, from the side at 09:34, without the battery, you can see from the side the plane where your centerline body weight is from head to butt vertically, you have 60% space up front and 40% rear. Maybe it could be moved a bit forward too?
Wanna go for the Triple Power Kill?
Get some Tyvek and pvc pipe ....an......Put a small sail up front!
You'll be the King of cheap power!
Wow, nice modification. Hats off to you sir, great craftsmanship. From Scotland 👍
Loved this video. I dont do woodworking or fishing but am interested in both. I have a few questions.
1. Could you have cut triangular holes out of every large piece of wood in order to make the load substantially lighter without loosing structural strength?
2. Wouldnt a light color spray paint be better in order to reflect sunlight and stay cool so that you dont get hot and the inflated kayak doesnt expand from heat?
3. Shouldnt you have spent a few more dollars for carpeting and run the carpet around the sides to the underside of the board to help prevent splintering and popping the kayak?
Great video and modification ! I found out the key for this kind of boat to be stable is that the seat must be lower, or almost to the ground. I have tried many modification on my intex Excursion pro fishing kayak and I raised the seat just like what you did and it wasn't comfortable at all I would feel I would flip if I do any mistake ! lol Amazing project though and looking forward to have an update on the performance of this setup while your catching biggens :D
Great vid and ingenuity. I had to laugh at noting 35 degree weather and playing out there in shorts and sandals lol.
Awesome job, I have a little challenge for you, how about having the trolling motor off the back and makeshift steering & rudder control in front of you.
Haha I love that idea Sir Diesel! There is nothing too over the top with this idea lol. We’re just having some fun. Hmmm....I wonder, maybe there might be a Kayak modification Part 2 video in the near future!
@@makeit5272 you should make more boat videos like this I love both videos good job hope you get in some good fishing
Surprisingly stable. Ropes across the bottom with some dumbbell weights locked in with knots could improve that even more if it's ever an issue. One for forward of CG and another for aft of CG. Wouldn't require a lot of weight to make a big difference in stability. Dropping vertical CG a couple of inches is noticeable.
This is great, love this vid :) i just bought one of these kayaks, i dont have the skill to make it into a fishing kayak, but was really good to watch :)
I just bought one of these, can't wait to unbox it and try it out. Don't think I'm going to make any mods to it, but watching this video was very cool.
Doing a similar mod to mine. My seat is much lower to not cause stability issues and have a pin installed to stop the seat from being able to swivel. I take the pin out when not paddling. Also only a half floor to decrease weight. Works great!
You did an awesome job and this was a lot of fun to watch. I just bought the intex excursion pro and I'm doing some small add ons but nothing like this. Very impressive! Keep it up.
Thank you very much Michael! Good luck with your add ons!
Got one myself. Hard to figure out how to attach stuff. Thinking of using the rod holders as a motor mount and rod mount on other side. What sucks is the seats that deflate. That is my next upgrade.
I have one of these, bought last year. So many good ideas here! Sidemounting the motor is an idea that is going to make me pull the trigger on one, especially since I'm going to buy an Excursion 5 this summer and, like you, can then use the motor on both! I yelled Thanks! to you from Chicago, but I don't think you heard me!
this is such an awesome comment, god bless you.
This is badass! Goodjob
I thought you were going in then lol. Unbelievable job you've done there.
I believe the seat was installed too high in expense of stability. Thanks for the video
Thought the same. He should take it down a few inches.
Same. Plus it’s awkward to paddle from so high and you won’t get as much action from your oars
Yeah his body's center of gravity should be lower
Wait I though was how to build a Jon boat
I plan on doing something like this with my Sea Eagle 370 but will be doing outriggers, 100 ah lithium, 55 electric. The whole nine yards.
Impressive. Love seeing smart creative people at work. Thanks for sharing.
I have a Sevylor Rio and turned it into a row boat. I put a low beach chair to sit on a 1/4 inch plywood floor. Very stable and comfortable with no paddle wagging.
Those are some pretty sweet modifications, thanks for the great ideas Dale
What a killer video! Thank you so much!
Just a nice person with great idea's
Enjoyable to watch
WOW ! ...... Exactly the boat I Have and the Mods I want ! .... Cheers !
This awesome! wanted to get a trolling motor on my K2 kayak and this video is genius!
Like your wood working skills. Thanks
Great project! Greetings from Austria!
that thing came out amazing
Thank you so much. Im a bigger guy trying to get in shape. On my first outing the kayak was sagging badly in the middle elevating my legs making it super uncomfortable. Gonna build a hinged board like yours and mount a seat. Seat will be lower than yours as i dont need bait box storage.
Simple quick fix for ya, cheap too...buy two cheap small bodyboards and place them in as a floor and then seats on top.
You are as good as YouTubing as people with millions of subscribers so keep it up! I'm looking forward to seeing more videos.
Damn man impressive. Seems like if you can build this you can build your own regular fishing kayak though. Handy as hell. But this is so cool and wish I had all your wood skills to do it I just don't. But very cool man. Great job. Amazing you can do all that from this inflatable.
Excellent mod......thank you for posting
You can use a wood pole in the middle of the paddles secured with duct tape to lengthen the paddles and it will paddle much better and you will get less wet.
This is a good suggestion, never thought about that. Thank you.
That's an interesting mod to your kayak.
But to increase stability have you thought about adding a small outrigger on one side, and mounting the electric motor between the kayak and the outrigger ? Think it would make your setup much more stable, buoyant and modular. Then whenever you want the electric motor, just add the outrigger...
MuddyDuck smart idea. I’d like to see that as a part two to this vid.
Awesome modifications! I have one of this as extra for friends to tag along on the lake, but these modifications will make it more fun for sure!! I'll give it a try!! Keep up the good work!!
Awesome job! First time on your channel but as I was watching you build all the mods for this kayak I thought this is just like Marty Zoffinger! Subbed!
This is amazing I just ordered one and can’t wait!
Thank you Darian! Good luck!
Fishhooks+Inflatable kayak=adventure.
I have one of these. Love love love your mods.
Very very impressive, thanks for sharing.
AMAZING SKILLS..WOW..EXCELLENT ..Can you make kayak stabilizers for an inflatable kayak ???
This is actually sick
With a shop like that I somehow doubt you don’t have anywhere to put a actual kayak. I had one it wasn’t bad for what it was, I was using in local marshes. PVC and oyster beds don’t really mix.
Dude this is sweet I am going to try and do something like this with mine
People are so funny... how do you get any dislikes with a video like this 😂😂. Dope job keep up the excellent work 🔥🔥🔥
Watched another video where a guy added makeshift stabilizers to his kayak with pvc pipe and pool noodles. Seemed to keep it stable. Might be a good add on to your build!
We have this same kayak (two of them)...and we've only just used them for the first time. I'm a total beginner! I would love that floorboard you made...but there's no way I'm handy enough to make that! Lol. I was thinking about buying a boogie board to push into it and sit on, as I felt WAY too low inside this. And the seat wasn't stable enough for my BF. I love that raised seat you made. Also, we find the paddles a bit short...or was that just us? Lol. You are very creative!
Great job buddy 👏
So impressed. Nice work man.
Awesome job, love the kayak. Keep up the amazing work. Good luck fishing!
Thanks J!!!
@@makeit5272 I wanted to use the excursion for some coastal fishing. I don't think it's stable enough 10:10 or maybe throw some stabelizers on there.
Good work man 👍
Should Add sum float pods to the side for a little more stability
I'll make mine also. Thanks for this amazing idea. Fish on!
Genius mate pure genius.thanks🇮🇪
Awesome job I watched your other video as well. Well done
Great for inspiration, maybe I missed it. Saw you mount the trolling motor and yet no safety connections to the boat in case of a flip over!
Love your inflatable boat mod videos! Great work! 👍
Grrr8 McMan going to do this
Waiting on this kayak next week!
“I don’t have space for an actual kayak” spoken from inside a large professional wood shop... just saying. Just messing my dude really good video and I’m planning on doing a similar build. Thanks for the inspiration 👍🏼
Haha I was thinking the same thing. A cool project regardless
Hi man how much did you pay for this kayak? And where did you get it from?
Almost got rid of the same kayak because kids are out grown, now I think it deserves a 2nd life. I wish I can buy the 'kit' instead of doing all the wood work :) great video!
Great video man
I'm in this hell hole known as Wisconsin too fresh from Florida so doing a kayak mod is my winter project. Hard shell kayak is not an option living in a small studio in oconomowoc though. My 6 baitcaster combos take enough room as it is already. Thanks for the good schematic on making a good floorboard and seat.
great video, i've been trying to find a way to get more comfortable seats in my inflatable, thanks
Just a thought if you already made a wood platform for the inflatable maybe 🤔 added stability pontoons off to each side? You already have the mount for the motor off to one side add some kinds of pontoon in front and do the same to the other. Should also allow you to stand up without it tilting so much
add some pvc outriggers for stability bud ..you're gold
AWESOME nice video thnks 4 D upload stay safe god bless.👍🇵🇭
Top job man. Very impressive
that was an interesting watch man good vid bro. ive got a 4.5m cc bass boat, but also have an aquamarina v2 inflatable and they are so practical aye!
Wow buddy!!! Excellent job brother! I have the same kayak and have thought of doing something like this. You knocked it out of the park
geniallllllll que buena esa modificación, te felicito
The build is pretty dope I just bought this kayak and want to make some modifications to mine as well. I feel like I won’t be mounting my seat as high though. Seems a little top heavy and I like drinking beers while I’m on the water lol.
Nice build! But you should put a 55 pound thrust trolling motor on each side and equal the load and to maybe get you up on plane. And move the seat forward a foot or so... you know, to lower the nose.
Parabéns meu caro, show de bola, criatividade total, erá tudo oque estava precisando para construir minha ideia, tudo que eu pensei, ainda irei desenvolver uma cobertura para o sol, muito obrigado e sucesso.
THat is elaborate as hell! I am surprised that the structure holds with all that extra weight
This boat is rated by the manufacturer for 400 lbs max load so no way a few boards and a small trolling motor are going over that!
You could make some DIY outriggers to improve its stability
Good video. Just a little suggestion, maybe cut out a bunch of holes on the floorboard with hole-cutter bit to reduce the weight?
really nice job 👍👍👍
great video, very creative and helpful.
What a beautiful shop you have!
I am impressed overall with how you upgraded this and actually made it work. Try to add a tracking fin to the bottom so you are not wasting energy going side to side.
It has it standard on it :) removeable
Very cool. I have a different inflatable. I have added rod holders, but the seat is not great for fishing, too low and does not swivel. Will have to give this a try. Thanks!
Does it have mini keels? I think not. Mine has, it's itiwit 3. Now if you really want higher sit when fishing, I suggest you getting an inflatable kayak seat. You can stack 2 of them. If the floor is inflatable , it is already stable enough for me to stand up. It's 3.5 m long, so that helps. The modification I made is some sort of trolley system for the anchor rope. I'm tidying up 2 reels in front and back with straps, between them I have a another rope which end are connected with a carabiner. The rope for the anchor is going thought the carabiner. This helps me move the rope of the anchor to the back of the kayak. This is to avoid being tipped aside by waves and wind. I tie the rope of the anchor to one of the side handles. The holders for the rods I've mount on a plastic milk crate, that I use for storage of lure boxes, water, power bank, it has a shade on top. Meaning the rods are in front of me.I'm thinking of getting Chirp+ and flexible arm, which I'll mount on the crate.
I've been hoping to mod my K2 similarly. This gives me hope 🤞
A canoe has to Balance ...... I wood Move the Battery to the Front or under your seat ... Put your Fishing Boxes and storage boxes up front with your electronics and extend your Motor Mound beam 2 feet on both sides with pontoons or floats on the ends to eliminate Tipping ! Then you can make your seat higher ! Put your cooler in the Back! .... Great Project !
Great idea Brad.
Thanks John!