Mods to my Pursuit

Okay, even though my boat fit me as well as most any I tried did, there were some changes I wanted to put in place.

1. I didn't use the rudder, so why not "lock down the foot pedals with bolts"? I did that by drilling a hole in each of the adjusters and using a longer bolt to fasten the whole thing in place.

2. What about some thigh braces? Well, I had to order one from NWKayaks, it was about $80 I think. No instructions but I figured out the placement and drilled some holes...<g> They really helped with my ability to lean my boat!

3. Ah, then there was my seating and all the open space in my cockpit. There's where my trip up north to talk about fitting out my boat came in. At the time I had some money [I don't now <shrug>but I ain't dead so thats something] and I purchased a goodly amount of foam. Next I took out the existing seat back [it never seemed to stay adjusted like I wanted] and instead put in foam shaped like a large "E" the bow being toward the left. That flat part was carved to suit my back. The three arms going to the right extend to the aft compartment bulkhead. So the seat back fills some of the room [that water once could hold] and provides good support.

Of course I also had to put in hip pads as mentioned in the article on fitting out, and I also padded the thigh braces. I have an self inflating seat cushion that when properly inflated seems to place me titely into position, helping make my kayak feel like an extension of my body.

Skirts? I at one time had a neoprene and cloth skirt-it got wetter than I liked so I purchased 100% neoprene one, size small... I admit that now that I am up to 160lbs it is a bit tite, it is still adequate-and DRY...

I've a Basic Designs "Sea Safe" that for now I will often place in front of the cockpit to allow me access to my radio, flares, etc... I fasten it down with clips so that a capsize or heavy wave cannot remove it.

I also wear a fanny pack of sorts. "a dry bag on a leash?" <g> that I keep around my middle. In it I also keep flares, an energy bar, compass etc...

On deck I have provision for [though have not used as yet] a "Sailor II" compass with deck mount. The mount has bungees with clips that attach to my deck fittings.

And Deck Fittings-well, I added some loops [I don't remember the proper name for them] and then put some "non-stretching line" around the circumference of the forward and the stern areas. I don't remember the name of the line material-I hope to someday. Of course the new line is to provide hand holds for someone I try to rescue. I still have the bungees for paddle float rescues and a spare paddle.

To go to my "wish list" click here...