Rear T Bar Kayak Support

The roof racks on the Subaru Forester are not spaced as wide as I'd like, so I built a rear T bar rack to provide greater support for the kayak. The T bar is galvanized square tubing welded to a tow bar insert. It also acts as a loading bar, such that the kayak can be loaded and unloaded single handed.

Since the above photo, I've added some small 'wings' to prevent the kayak from sliding off sideways when loading/unloading (see below photo). Loading the kayak is a process of lifting the front onto the rack and then sliding it forward by holding the back of the kayak. Then the rear is lifted and the kayak pushed the full way onto the racks.

DIY Kayak Cart in action

The kayak cart has been finished for a while, but has only just been tested out. It worked well and is fixed in place with a strap. With some soft rubber strips on the contact points I don't think it would move around, but the strap ensures the kayak doesn't bounce around when being pulled along.

Glenelg North Trip

Took the kayak out to Glenelg North Beach this morning for a nice paddle with the kids. The weather was really nice and we stopped to have a swim and test re-entering the kayak from deep water. We managed to get out of the kayak fairly easily without tipping it. Getting in required a bit more effort, but the kayak was really stable and was able to get back in. A rope ladder or foot hold would make it easier though. Another trip I'd like to try to capsize the kayak and then bail and re-board.

Tackle Box ... Rod Holders Installed

I made up the other two rod holders from PVC pipe and added a collar to help keep them in the right place. I have three layers of plywood that will secure the holders, and the middle layer has a slightly large hole to accommodate the collar. The holes for the top and bottom layers are small enough that the collar won't pass through them, securing the holder in position (in addition to the epoxy).

I used some epoxy to glue the rod holders to the box. The bottom two layers of ply still need to be trimmed to size.

Test fit in the kayak behind the front seat. It wouldn't want to be any wider otherwise it would encroach on the leg space of the rear passenger.

Tackle Box

Have been thinking of the best way to keep tackle and related gear in the kayak. When I installed the front seat I deliberately made the foot cleats longer to provide an attachment point for a purpose built tackle box. The milk crate seems to be very popular with sit-on kayaks (where there is space behind the rear seat) but that won't work with the mill creek. I'd also like to store a few rods as part of it, maybe even a net.

I have a water tight box where I plan to store my wallet, phone, keys etc. so it needs to also have a spot to keep that close and handy. The design I ended up with has a frame to fit the water tight box and then on top of that another box to hold the tackle containers. I'll attach rod holders to the side of the top box.

The bottom frame around the water tight box.

The top box to hold the tackle containers, sitting on a top that will house the rod holders.

Marking out the box joints for the top box.

Cutting the joins.

Chiseling out the waste.

Trial fitting before gluing.

Here the lid has been trimmed to size. The side flaps are where the rod holders will be located.

All glued up. The lid is temporarily screwed on, whilst I figured out how best to attach the rod holders.

This is where the PVC rod holders will go. I'll add some extra layers of marine ply under the flaps to strengthen then holders.

On top of this box that holds the tackle containers will be a lid made out of a plastic chopping board. This will double as a bait board and I'll mount a bait knife somewhere handy.

DIY Kayak Cart

Made up a cart for the kayak today. Had a shop around for wheels, but then realised it was cheaper to buy a sack truck and convert it into a cart. Buying two wheels was more expensive then s whole sack truck with wheels, axle and metal frame. I shortened the sack truck we currently have, and will buy a new one to replace it. I cut off the top and bottom and welded them together. I cut out most of the base to fit the sides of the kayak and attached some angled metal to fit the kayak sides. 

Foot Rests

After thinking and procrastinating for a long time, I've finally made the foot rests to go with the rails I installed in the kayak. Still need to oil or epoxy them, but they look like they'll do the job.