The Ultimate Home Made Kayak Fishing Trailer E-mail
Monday, 19 October 2009 16:38

I really enjoy your magazine and I’m glad to see this sport catching on so much. Last winter, I got so hooked on kayak fishing that I bought two Hobie Outbacks and rigged them out for serious fishing. 2007 was a spectacular year and we’re looking forward to warmer weather soon here in Long Island, NY.

Kayak Fishing: The Ultimate Kayak Fishing Trailer "Home Made"

Transporting my kayaks on the roof of my mini-van was a hassle, as I was usually tired at the end of the day. I even dropped one once off the roof. Having said that, I decided it was time to solve this problem permanently, so I designed and built a custom kayak trailer from a basic 6’ x 10’ utility trailer that easily allows 2 or 3 kayaks to roll up onto the trailer. It also holds 12 rods, all of my gear, parts and tackle. It has built in lighting for night recovery, and is easily towed with my Kia. The two Yakama racks can up and down, so once the kayaks are loaded on top from the rear, they swing up and lock into an upright position for transporting.

The new trailer was about $900 and I think the material for the conversion was about $350 or so. At 52, I am tired of hoisting those boats over six feet into the air on windy days.

  • One of the photos shows 2 gray 1x3’s on the right rear of the trailer, where a slide-in cutting and bait board mounts
  • There are 4 locking hatch doors for access to my gear, tools, wheels, sails, rods and a hose reel
  • I can clean the kayaks at the dock before leaving. (A real pleasure).

I’ve had 3 sail boats up to 27’, so I improved the Hobie sail configuration a bit. Now, the sheets run smoothly, and lock via quick release cam cleats with finger adjustments for trimming. I can also roller furl the sail around the mast from the cockpit safely, something I was determined to do because the sail was a real problem to control when the wind kicked up. Sometimes less is better. I added a Hummin’ Bird fish finder, Scotty rod holders, anchor trolleys and night lighting. I use a 12vdc 7aH gel cell for power. The charger is built into the trailer so the battery is charging while I drive.

I’ve had 3 sail boats up to 27’, so I improved the Hobie sail configuration a bit. Now, the sheets run smoothly, and lock via quick release cam cleats with finger adjustments for trimming. I can also roller furl the sail around the mast from the cockpit safely, something I was determined to do because the sail was a real problem to control when the wind kicked up. Sometimes less is better. I added a Hummin’ Bird fish finder, Scotty rod holders, anchor trolleys and night lighting. I use a 12vdc 7aH gel cell for power. The charger is built into the trailer so the battery is charging while I drive.

Anyway, I thought you might like to see it. I bought my boats at Empire Kayak in Island Park. Mike and Gabrielle are fantastic people.

I think their eyes bugged out though when I showed up with this rig. She accused me of having too much free time.

Ain’t it sweet?

 

You must be registered to post a comment.


Login

Newsletter

Subscribe here to receive FREE email issues of Kayak Fishing Magazine.

Most Popular

Kayak Kevin's; Kayak Fishing the Chesapeake Bay 2 DVD Trailer
This, the 2nd installment to the widely popular "Kayak Fishing the Chesapeake Bay" DVD from award winning videographer Kevin Whitley (aka Kayak Kevin) is due for release this fall...
KFM - FaceBook Kayak Fishing Picture Contest Results
We thought it would be a good idea to use Facebook to have a photo contest. Our friends over at Hook, Line and Paddle (HLP) asked us how we can do something together on FB.
Pelican Premium: A little more buck, a lot more bang!
For Immediate Release LAVAL, QUEBEC. April 19, 2013. Pelican International's highly anticipated Premium line does not disappoint! Pelican International's new Premium line of...

Random

Press Release From U.S. Coast Guard
recent press release from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary demonstrates continuing attention by the USCG and the Auxiliary to canoes and kayaks. The press release, reprinted...
Kayak Kevin Wins at 6th Annual Reel Film Festival
information obtained from reelpaddlingfilmfestival.com   The 6th Annual Reel Paddling Film Festival's World Tour 2011 kicked off at Bloor Cinima in downtown Toronto on...
The Werner Hooked Series of Kayak Fishing Paddles Expands with the Hooked: Cyprus and Kalliste
Available starting today, the Ultimate performance Werner Paddles Kalliste and Cyprus will be available in the Hooked line of kayak fishing paddles. Richie Bekolay,...

Latest Kayak Reviews

Lifetime Sport Fisher
 
5.0
Cobra Kayaks Tandem
 
3.0
Perception Sport Pescador 10.0 Angler
 
4.0
Hobie Mirage Outback
 
4.0
Current Designs Tailfin
 
5.0
Hobie Mirage Outback
 
2.0
NuCanoe Frontier 12
 
5.0
Native Watercraft Mariner 12.5 Propel Anglers
 
4.0
Hobie Mirage Outback
 
5.0
Pelican Castaway 100
 
2.0
Stealth Pro Fisha 575
 
3.0
Field and Stream Eagle Talon
 
5.0

Latest Equipment Reviews

Body Glove 3T Barefoot Max
 
5.0
Body Glove 3T Barefoot Warrior
 
5.0
Body Glove 3T Barefoot Warrior
 
3.0
Columbia Drainmaker
 
5.0
Sperry SON-R Sounder Shandal
 
4.0
Garmin VIRB Elite
 
4.0
Polaroid XS100
 
4.0
Backwater Paddles Assault Hand Paddle
 
5.0
Backwater Paddles Assault Hand Paddle
 
5.0
Stohlquist Piseas
 
4.0
Wheeleez Tuff Tire Kayak Cart
 
5.0
Boga Grip
 
4.0